R60 MILLION ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NELSON MANDELA BAY
Published: July 29, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
Electricity distribution security remains central to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s strategy to stimulate economic growth, attract investment and improve the reliability of essential municipal services. As part of the Municipality’s ongoing infrastructure renewal programme, R60 million has been allocated towards two strategic electricity infrastructure projects in the Summerstrand and Coega areas that will strengthen network resilience, improve long-term reliability and support future economic growth.
These projects
form part of the Municipality’s broader electricity infrastructure
modernisation programme aimed at replacing ageing strategic assets,
strengthening critical supply corridors and ensuring the City’s electricity
network can meet growing residential, commercial and industrial demand. The
projects complement ongoing maintenance programmes, substation refurbishment
initiatives and planned network upgrades being implemented across the Metro to
improve the reliability and resilience of electricity supply.
The Coega SEZ project will strengthen the electricity network to meet current demand while creating capacity for future industrial expansion within one of South Africa’s most important investment destinations. The replacement of the Chelsea–Summerstrand 132kV powerline will improve electricity supply stability to an area that plays a significant role in Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism and hospitality economy, helping to reduce network vulnerability and support uninterrupted economic activity.
While these
investments directly strengthen strategic economic nodes, they also contribute
to improving the overall stability of the municipal electricity network by
protecting critical supply infrastructure that serves residential, commercial
and industrial customers. Reliable electricity infrastructure is fundamental to
the growth and competitiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay and supports
manufacturing, tourism, business confidence, investment attraction and
sustainable job creation in line with the South African Government’s economic
development agenda.
The
Municipality continues to balance strategic capital investment with ongoing
operational and maintenance programmes. Routine maintenance, planned
refurbishment of substations, replacement of ageing infrastructure and
corrective maintenance remain integral to the City’s asset management strategy,
ensuring that existing electricity infrastructure continues to perform
efficiently while new investments strengthen the network for future growth.
Executive
Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said reliable infrastructure remains one of
the Municipality’s most important economic development priorities.
"A reliable
electricity network is the foundation of a competitive and growing city. These
investments are not only about constructing new infrastructure—they are about
modernising our electricity network, maintaining critical assets and creating
the conditions for investment, business expansion and sustainable economic
growth. By strengthening strategic infrastructure today, we are improving
service reliability for our residents while positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a
destination of choice for investment, industry and tourism.”
The Municipality’s electricity infrastructure programme also includes the refurbishment of substations serving strategic areas, together with ongoing maintenance interventions aimed at improving network performance and extending the lifespan of critical electricity assets.
Protecting
public infrastructure remains equally important. The Municipality continues to
strengthen security measures and work closely with law enforcement agencies to
combat vandalism, cable theft and damage to electricity infrastructure, which
remain among the leading causes of avoidable electricity outages across Nelson
Mandela Bay. The Municipality further appeals to residents, businesses and
community organisations to report acts of vandalism and infrastructure theft,
as protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility that safeguards
service delivery and public investment.
In addition, R13 million has been allocated towards uncategorised municipal electrical infrastructure components and flexible capital budget items. This funding will support minor local grid extensions, unplanned electrical maintenance and the replacement and upgrading of critical electrical equipment to further improve the reliability, resilience and overall performance of the City’s electricity network.
These projects
will be implemented through the Municipality’s approved capital programme and
monitored through established governance and project management processes to
ensure effective implementation, accountability and value for money.
Together, these investments reinforce the Municipality’s commitment to modernising and maintaining critical infrastructure while improving service reliability, strengthening investor confidence and creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth. By combining strategic capital investment, ongoing maintenance, infrastructure renewal and enhanced protection of public assets, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is building a more resilient, competitive and future-ready Metro that delivers reliable services to residents while supporting economic development across the City.
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