Just when locals thought things were getting better, another sewage spill disrupted the popular Kings Beach area in Gqeberha—this time in the parking lot.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has stepped in with a full commitment to repair and restore the struggling sewer system in the area.
Flooded Pipes, Overflowing Problems
Recent heavy rains pushed the already strained infrastructure past its limit, causing an overflow despite previous flow control systems and emergency pumping measures already in place near the harbour.
While the latest spill was quickly contained, crews were dispatched to clean up the mess and treat the area to lower E. coli levels and get rid of the unpleasant odour.
Taking Steps to Stop the Next Spill
With more rainfall on the horizon, the municipality isn’t taking any chances.
Officials have called in the contractor responsible for the site and instructed them to bring in a second bypass pump.
The hope is that this additional pump will manage the rising stormwater pressure and prevent yet another overflow in the coming days.
Repairs Prove More Complicated Than Expected
Initially, this was supposed to be a straightforward repair job.
But when crews got to work, they discovered that the damage had worsened—what started as a minor repair quickly turned into a major project after more of the sewer line collapsed.
One of the main hurdles? The original plan required special dewatering equipment, which could only be sourced from Cape Town and wouldn’t arrive until mid-August.
To avoid such delays, the team pivoted to a faster repair method using alternative technology.
Good News Amid Challenges
Thankfully, the new contractor confirmed that they already have all the needed pipes in stock.
If all goes smoothly and no more collapses happen during excavation, repairs could be wrapped up in just two to three weeks.
Still, the metro acknowledged that aging infrastructure, limited budgets, and unpredictable weather make maintaining systems like this an ongoing challenge.
Tourism Takes a Hit—But the City’s Responding Fast
Beyond the environmental concerns, these kinds of sewage spills have economic ripple effects, especially in a city that relies heavily on tourism.
The municipality recognized this impact and emphasized how crucial it is to respond quickly when problems arise.
Water quality testing is currently underway, and officials are closely monitoring the situation to determine when it will be safe to reopen the beach to the public.
Updates and Thanks from the Municipality
In a statement, the municipality thanked residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation.
They also promised to keep the public informed every step of the way as the repairs continue.
