NELSON MANDELA BAY ADOPTS PRO POOR BUDGET TO ACCELERATE INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST
Published: June 12, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has adopted a fair, pro poor and financially responsible budget that directs the largest share of infrastructure investment towards communities facing the greatest service delivery backlogs and infrastructure challenges.
The budget reflects the Municipality's commitment to improving the quality of life of residents through targeted investments in water, sanitation, electricity, roads, stormwater infrastructure and human settlements, while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the institution. Every allocation has been guided by the principle that limited public resources must be directed towards communities with the greatest need and where investment will have the greatest impact on service delivery, economic inclusion and social development.
This pro poor budget is designed to balance two critical responsibilities, accelerating service delivery and infrastructure renewal while safeguarding the Municipality's financial health. It prioritises investment in critical infrastructure, protects essential municipal assets, strengthens service delivery capacity and ensures that Nelson Mandela Bay remains financially resilient and capable of meeting its obligations to current and future generations.
The allocations are the result of an extensive Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget public participation process, which included engagements with residents, ward committees, community stakeholders and Ward Councillors across the Metro. This process ensured that the budget responds directly to the priorities identified by communities and reflects the realities experienced by residents on the ground.
Over the past five years, Nelson Mandela Bay has experienced recurring flooding events that have placed immense pressure on already ageing infrastructure networks. Combined with historic infrastructure backlogs in many communities, these challenges have increased the urgency for targeted investment and infrastructure renewal.
The Municipality has therefore adopted a bold and deliberate approach by directing a greater share of available resources towards areas experiencing the most significant infrastructure challenges and service delivery pressures.
At the centre of the budget are investments aimed at improving water security, upgrading sanitation infrastructure, strengthening electricity networks, rehabilitating roads, improving stormwater systems and supporting human settlements development.
The wards within the Lillian Diedericks Cluster, which predominantly include communities in the Northern Areas, have received R158,825,580, representing 22 percent of the ward-based infrastructure allocation programme.
The Champion Galela Cluster, which includes New Brighton, KwaZakhele and surrounding communities, has been allocated R152,764,700, representing 21 percent of the total allocation.
The Zola Qini Cluster, covering Kariega, KwaNobuhle and Despatch, has received R151,226,010.
The Alex Matikinca Cluster, which includes Motherwell, Colchester, Wells Estate and Amanzi Estate, has been allocated R124,450,510.
The Molly Blackburn Cluster, which includes Summerstrand, Central, South End and Humewood, has been allocated R88,080,200.
The Govan Mbeki Cluster has been allocated R63,764,700.
These allocations support critical projects that will improve the reliability and sustainability of municipal services, including pipeline replacement programmes, upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities, electricity substation improvements, replacement of ageing cables, public lighting upgrades, road rehabilitation and stormwater infrastructure interventions.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said the budget demonstrates the Municipality's commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and financially sustainable city.
"This budget reflects our commitment to ensuring that communities with the greatest infrastructure needs receive the investment required to improve their quality of life. It is a pro poor budget that places service delivery at the centre of municipal planning while ensuring that the Municipality remains financially sound and sustainable."
Executive Mayor Lobishe said the budget seeks to address long standing infrastructure challenges while positioning Nelson Mandela Bay for future growth and development.
"We cannot ignore the realities facing communities that continue to experience infrastructure backlogs and service delivery challenges. This budget responds directly to those realities. At the same time, we have a responsibility to maintain financial discipline, protect the Municipality's long-term sustainability and ensure that every rand spent delivers value for residents."
She said the success of the budget would ultimately be measured by the quality and pace of implementation.
"Our responsibility now is to ensure that these allocations translate into visible improvements in communities. Through strengthened oversight, improved project management and disciplined expenditure, we will work to ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the benefit of residents."
Executive Mayor Lobishe said the budget reflects the Municipality's commitment to responsible governance, social justice and sustainable development.
"A developmental municipality must invest where the need is greatest while maintaining the financial stability necessary to sustain services into the future. This budget achieves that balance. It prioritises the needs of residents, addresses critical infrastructure challenges and lays the foundation for economic growth, investment attraction and improved service delivery."
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality remains committed to implementing a financially sustainable, developmental and people centred budget that advances the priorities of the Seventh Administration, strengthens service delivery, promotes inclusive growth and builds a better future for all residents of Nelson Mandela Bay.
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