POWER RESTORED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE FOLLOWING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE
Published: April 02, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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As Executive Mayor, I confirm that electricity infrastructure repairs along the Chelsea, Arlington, Walmer, and Summerstrand line have been completed, with supply currently being restored in a phased and controlled manner. Full restoration is expected by the close of business today, subject to system stabilisation.
While such an intervention would ordinarily take up to 120 days, the work has been completed in under two weeks through intensified technical deployment and around the clock operations.
As Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, I acknowledge and apologise for the scale of disruption caused to residents, businesses, and essential services. This level of impact is unacceptable, and we take full accountability.
Earlier today, I conducted an oversight visit with the MMC for Electricity and Energy, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, and senior officials to verify progress on site and ensure operational control over the restoration process.
This incident has exposed weaknesses in parts of our electricity infrastructure and response systems. We are addressing these directly through targeted technical interventions, strengthened maintenance protocols, and tighter operational oversight.
Our immediate priority has been safe and rapid restoration. The next phase is to continue with additional maintenance and investment work on the line, subject to Council approval of further funding for outstanding interventions.
At the same time, the Municipality will intensify efforts to secure additional funding to upgrade electricity infrastructure across the Metro, to ensure long term sustainability, improved reliability, and reduced risk of similar incidents.
Residents and businesses are urged to switch off electrical appliances during the restoration process to prevent potential damage.
We will continue to communicate transparently and provide updates as the system stabilises. We also call on the public to report vandalism and theft of infrastructure, which remain key contributors to network instability.
We are focused on restoring not only power, but public confidence.
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