MUNICIPALITY REJECTS MISINFORMATION AND CONMFIRMS WATER QUALITY IS SAFE AND UNDER CONTROL
Published: April 23, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality confirms that isolated water quality deviations were detected in Despatch through routine, regulated sampling conducted between 07 and 21 April 2026. Immediate corrective interventions, including chlorination and compulsory resampling in full compliance with prescribed national standards, were implemented without delay. The Municipality’s water quality management system remains fully operational, safe, and compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements.
The Municipality strongly condemns the circulation of misleading and unverified claims that have created unnecessary public concern and mischaracterized a controlled technical process as a public health crisis.
In accordance with SANS 241, aligned with World Health Organization, any detection of E. coli constitutes a precautionary non-compliance trigger requiring immediate intervention. This standard is designed to ensure early detection and proactive risk mitigation, and does not in itself constitute evidence of harm, exposure, or illness.
The recorded level of 3 E. coli per 100 millilitres on 21 April 2026 represents a low level, isolated deviation, which was immediately addressed through established treatment protocols. This response is consistent with a system operating within design parameters and regulatory expectations.
There is no scientific, clinical, or epidemiological evidence establishing a causal link between the municipal water supply and any reported illness. The Municipality’s Public Health Directorate, in collaboration with the Department of Health, continues to monitor all relevant indicators. No abnormal patterns or verified public health risks have been identified.
The Municipality’s actions are fully aligned with its statutory and constitutional obligations, including:
The Water Services Act 108 of 1997, which mandates water services authorities to provide access to water services that are efficient, affordable, economical, and sustainable, and to take reasonable measures to ensure water quality compliance.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, which obliges municipalities to ensure the provision of basic services and recognises the right of everyone to have access to sufficient water.
In discharging these obligations, the Municipality has:
Acted without delay upon detection of non-compliance.
Implemented appropriate corrective and preventative measures.
Maintained continuous monitoring and verification processes.
Always exercise due diligence and regulatory compliance.
Accordingly, any assertion that the Municipality has failed in its duty of care, or that the water supply has caused illness, is unsupported by evidence, reckless, irresponsible, inconsistent with scientific assessment, and contrary to the Municipality’s demonstrable compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe stated, "The Municipality has acted lawfully, responsibly, and decisively. Our systems are working, and our response has been immediate and aligned with both legislation and best practice. We will not allow reckless misinformation to distort the facts or undermine public confidence."
MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering Mafaya added that, "Every proactive and corrective action taken complies with regulatory standards and operational protocols. There has been no failure of systems, only a system functioning exactly as it is designed to do, detect, respond, and protect."
The Municipality further confirms that additional security measures are being implemented at the reservoir to mitigate unauthorised access risks, including reinforcement of infrastructure and removal of illegal occupants.
While the Municipality remains committed to transparency and accountability, it reserves all its rights in relation to the dissemination of false, misleading, or defamatory information that may cause reputational or institutional harm.
Residents are assured that the water quality management system is actively monitored, controlled, and compliant, and that any verified risk will be communicated through official channels without delay.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will continue to act in strict accordance with legislation, scientific standards, and its constitutional mandate to provide safe and reliable basic services.
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