TrafficlightfailurescontinuetoplagueCBD
SHANTIJAFTA
NEARLY ayear after this initial reporting and the NelsonMandela BayMunicipality’s commitment to interim safety measures, the situationinKariega’s CBDhas not only persisted but, by severalaccounts, deteriorated.
The promised temporary four-way stops that were supposed to mitigateriskswhilst repairs werepending have largely failed to materialise.
Currentassessmentsindicate that only three of the area’s 14 trafficlights are now operational, representing asignificant decline fromthe already concerning situation reported previously.
Ward 48 Councillor Franayvan de Linde, speaking to UD Express about the ongoing crisis, revealed that she had escalated the matter with the Standing Committee several times since the initial reporting.
“I did this especially after the request from the principal of Winterberg Primary School to convertthe current traffic intersection into four-way stopswhilst waiting for it to be fixed.Itjust falls on deaf ears,”she said The councillor’s frustration reflects growing community concerns, particularly following recent near-miss incidents thathighlight the
deteriorating safety situation.
“Just last week apedestrianwas in my office stating thathewas nearlyknocked down by a speeding caratthe intersection of Durbanand BairdStreets. This is becoming very serious and we arenot far from afatal accidentwaiting to happen,” VandeLinde said.
Her criticism extendstowhat sheperceives as the municipality’s response to mounting safety concerns.
“The Municipalityjustdoesn’t takethese matters seriously. Even theSpokesperson of theMunicipality said at thetime [May 2025] that theseintersections wouldbechanged into four-waystops until thetraffic lights could be fixed; however, this has not happened up to now.”
Van de Linde emphasised that thepromised interim measureswould helpreduce speedingand control rightofway for roadusers at these intersections.
“The Municipalityneedstosee the seriousness of this matter and treat it with urgency, before afatal accident happens.Orare they waitingfor this to happen first and then want to act? By then it is too late.”
The deteriorating situation has intensified questions aroundthe Metro’s follow-through on earliercommitments, budgetallocation priorities,and the effectiveness of its anti-van-
dalism strategy.
Despite theNMBM’sprevious assurances about engaging lawenforcement during peak hoursand workingwith SAPS and trafficenforcement units, thepersistent problems suggest thesemeasures havehad limited impact.
As thesituation entersits second year without resolution, theward councillor calls for immediate action before afatal accident occurs
The NelsonMandelaBay Municipal spokespersonSithembiso Soyaya told UD Express in May 2025 that “Thisbusycorridor [Durban Street], which includes five major intersections, hasregrettably become ahigh-risk zone for both motorists and pedestrians due to ongoing infrastructure damage.”
Whenasked whether there wasabudget allocated for fixingthe trafficlights in the 2026/27 financial budget, he claimed that fixingroad intersections is part of themaintenance budget within theRoadsand Transport Directorate, but did notdivulge how much it wouldcost to repair thetrafficlights in the CBD area.
The Metro previously told UD Express that thecycle of vandalism is severelydraining themunicipality’s already stretched infrastructure repair andmaintenancebudget
“A number of arrests have been madeby
both theMetro Policeand Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Security Services where in some instances culprits are found with cables and materialsremoved from trafficlights,” he said Soyayanoted that theMetro works with other organisations: namelySANRAL and private businesses, “where in some instances we share resources within thesecurityservices and theintroduction of solar-powered traffic lights.”
On the trafficlights being offfor almost two years, thelocal school situated on thebusy road suggested that theroad be made into a four-way stop in theinterim as vehicles often cross theintersection without stopping, posing apotential threat to thesafetyoflearners.
To this, Soyayaclaimed that thepossibility of introducing four-way stopsinsome areas is still an idea on thetable
“More on this will be revealed once allthe research and feasibility work has been completed,” he said
Afteralmost two years of non-functional trafficlights on Durban Road,Soyaya stated that “Trafficlights are being fixed, budget permitting and in areas where traffic lights do not work and there is high traffic congestion, we deploytrafficofficers to control the traffic.”
Municipalpoundunderspotlightaftercommitteeoversightvisit
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
AMUNICIPAL Public Health Committee oversight visit to the municipal pound in Kariega last week highlighted operational and infrastructure concerns at thefacility.
Thevisit, proposed by Democratic Alliance(DA) representatives andaccepted by thecommittee, highlighted arangeofoperational and resource challenges at thefacility, according to DA Member of Parliament, Annette Lovemore, who formedpart of the delegation.
Lovemore saidthat while amunicipal statement issued after thevisitwas factually correct, it createdanimpression offunctionality or progress that did not reflect what the committee observed.
Among the keyconcerns raised was the performance of theappointed service provider, Busy Bee, which Lovemoresaid appeared “entirely outofits depth” despite having beenonsite for threemonths.
The oversightteam noted thatalthougha UNISA-qualified veterinary technician is assigned to the pound, along with reportedly two kennel hands, the facility appeared under-equipped. The clinicarea used for animal assessmentscontained only empty cages and no visible equipment.
Lovemore also questioned the municipality’s level of intervention, noting that municipal staff had been assigned to the site and that items such as blanketsand washing ma-
chines were being procured.
“It appeared to us thatthis wasanother instance of themunicipality bending over backwards to makea brokencontract work,” she said.
The coldstorage facility, intended for carcassstorage, wasalso flaggedasaconcern Whileofficials initially indicated that it was operational, furtherengagement revealed that it is not functional andthat no contractorhas yet been appointedfor repairs.
At the time of the visit, asmallnumber of dogs —estimated at four or five —were being housedatthe pound, with no other animalsimpounded
Lovemore noted that restrictionslinked to foot-and-mouth diseasehave prevented the impoundment of cloven-hoofed animals within a10km radius of apositive case.
Thecommitteealso raised concern over delays in securing anew long-term contract, with the previous three-year agreement having expired in October last year.
Tensions at thefacility were alsonoted, with theSPCA still occupyingpartsofthe premises amid an ongoinglegal dispute regarding eviction.
“There is clearlyatenseatmosphere between the SPCA andthe serviceprovider,” Lovemore said. “We consideritmore prudent to wait for thecourt proceedings in which the issueofeviction will be decided, and then abide by that judgment.”
Commentingonthe SPCA Uitenhage’s con-
tinuedoccupation of themunicipal premises,the SPCA’s legal representative, Susan Bowden, of Bowden-Gilfillan &Scholtz Inc, said theorganisation remains in lawful occupation.
“The SPCA has not vacated the premises, and we havealso not received any further communication from the municipality’slegal representative in this regard," she shared with the PE Express.
“We have, however,noted that the NMBM has made public statements about eviction papers, court proceedings and courtorders. This hasbeen very misleading. Ourclient hasnot been served with any such application. Accordingly, there cannot be acourt order to remove them.”
“Weremain of the opinion that any application is premature, in that they have not correctly terminated the agreement of lease.”
Sheaddedthat no agreement has been reached regarding theSPCA’s stay.
"However, thereneed not be any agreement,asthey havenot terminated the lease agreement,soour clientisinlawful occupationofthe premises.”
Respondingtoconcerns raised during the oversightvisit, theBusyBee co-director, Stanley Adams, defendedthe operation, sayingthe municipal pound is functioning despite challenges
“I’m not affiliated to anypolitical party, so I’m running this municipal pound as aneu-
tral individual,” Adams said. “We are fully functioning, we are making things happen and we are going beyond the call of duty.”
Adams addressed criticism regarding cleaning processes at the facility.
“They said I’mwashing the dog blankets at home. We don’t have awashing machine, but we wash the blankets by hand,”heshared. He also rejected claims that staff werenot present during the committee visit
“The DA said therewere two people working onsite, but they didn’t see them. But they werewiththe animals.”
Adams added that animals are assessed and treated when necessary.
“The municipal pound is running, and we have an outsourced vet technician; when an animal comes in, the animal is assisted. If an animal needs help, it is helped and taken to avet.”
Adams added that he has extensive experience working with animals, including horses and wildlife.
“Over 20 years I’ve worked with horses. I grew up in Grahamstown, wherehorses and donkeys were part of everyday life. Iwas trained in working with wild horses, and later worked with SANParks as amanager, as well as in other provinces with both wild and domestic animals. Inow primarilywork with smaller animals.”
Repeated requestsfor comment to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalitywent unanswered.
NMBMrejectscirculatingreportsaboutcontaminatedwater
RESIDENTS in Despatch have beenurgently advised to boil all municipal water before consumption following the detection of E. coli bacteria in alocal water reservoir, promptingimmediate healthconcernsand calls for municipal intervention
The warning was issued on 22 April by Democratic Alliance representatives after they conducted an inspection ofthe affected reservoir in response to crediblecontamination reports. DA Spokesperson forInfrastructure&Engineering Councillor Dries vander Westhuizen, together withPublic HealthSpokesperson Councillor Mthokozisi Nkosi and Ward 52 Councillor Frans Swanepoel,visited the site where traces of the potentially dangerous bacteria were reportedly found.
“While we do not wish to cause panic, we have aresponsibility to informresidents of anypotential health risks,”the DA representatives stated,emphasisingthat the advisorywas issued “out of an abundance of caution.”
The presence of E. coli in drinkingwater posesserious health risks, including severe gastrointestinalillness, and can be particularly dangerous for children, elderly residents, and those with compromised immune
systems.
In response, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya rejectedthese claims, stating that isolated water quality deviations were detected in Despatchthrough routine, regulated samplingconducted between 7and 21 April 2026.
The Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe,has movedtoreassure all residents of Despatch that their drinking water is 100% safe for consumption Residents cantherefore use tap water fordrinking,cooking,and dailyhousehold needs with full confidence
“Wewant to strongly assureour communities thatthe water is safe,”saidLobishe. “Weurgeresidents to rely only on official Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality communicationchannels foraccurate information regarding water safety.Verified testing confirmsthatthere is no cause forconcern.”
Soyaya said, “Immediate corrective interventions,including chlorination and compulsoryresampling in full compliancewith prescribed nationalstandards,were implemented withoutdelay.The Municipality’s water quality management systemremains fullyoperational, safe, and compliant with allapplicable regulatory requirements.”
He added that they strongly condemn
the circulation of misleading andunverified claims that “have created unnecessary public concernand mischaracterisedacontrolled technical process as apublic health crisis.”
Additionally,inaccordance with SANS 241, alignedwith WorldHealth Organization, “any detection of E. coli constitutes aprecautionary non-compliance trigger requiring immediate intervention,” he said “Thisstandard is designed to ensure early detection and proactive risk mitigation, and does not in itself constitute evidenceof harm, exposure, or illness.”
Soyaya added that the recorded level of 3 E. coli per 100 millilitres on 21 April 2026 “represents alow level,isolateddeviation,” which he claimed was immediately addressed throughestablished treatmentprotocols.
“Thisresponse is consistent with asystem operating withindesign parameters andregulatory expectations,”Soyayaconcluded.
“The Municipalityremainscommittedto safeguarding public health andensuring the consistent delivery of safe, clean drinking water to all communities.
“Residents are reminded to remain vigilant against misinformation andtoalways verify updates throughtrustedmunicipal
platforms,” Lobisheconcluded. In response to the mediastatementresponse from the municipality, DA Mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal said the municipality didnot reveal what the waterquality deviationswereduringthistimebut went on to saythat“The recorded level of 3E.coliper 100 millilitres on 21 April 2026 represents alow level, isolated deviation, whichwas immediatelyaddressed through established treatmentprotocols.” Fromthis furthercomment we deducethatthere were still E. coli present on 21 April 2026. Odendaal added thatthe statementoffers no insightordetails as to the reason forthe waterquality deviations betweenthe period of the 7th and21st of April. “It’s absolutely mind-boggling thatthe municipality had knowledge of waterquality issues in Despatch butfailedtonotifythe publicofthe situation,”hesaid, whilenotingthattheir source of the information is “extremely credible.”
He said thattheystand by the same information until theyhavefulldisclosureregarding the safety of the waterinDespatch “Wehavetherefore launcheda PAIAapplication to demandthe full disclosureofall watersamples takenatthatreservoir,”he concluded.
ThreeKwaNobuhlekidnappedvictimsfoundmurdered
ACARJACKING endedintragedy when threemen kidnapped in KwaNobuhle were later found shot dead in Bethelsdorp.
According to police,the carjacking occurredonSunday, 26 April at approximately 20:30 in Vukukhanye Crescent, KwaNobuhle.
Police spokespersonCaptain Sandra Janse van Rensburg saidthat agroup of five armed suspects approached four men who were seatedinside awhite Mazda 323. “The suspects, two of whom were armed withfirearms, pointed the weapons at the victims and demanded money and cellphones,” she said One of the suspects then allegedly took control of the vehicle and drove off with three of the occupants still inside, leaving one victim behind Van Rensburg addedthat the vehicle was laterfound abandoned in AlgoaRoad
“On Monday,27April, at around 11:00, policewere called to abushy area near Old Uitenhage Road at the Salt Dams in Bethelsdorp, wherethe bodies of three men were discovered
“Two victims werefound lyingcloseto each other, while athird was located a fewmetres away after police followed a trail of blood,” Janse vanRensburgsaid.
Preliminary investigationshave confirmed that the deceased arethe same
mentakenduring theKwaNobuhle carjacking Police have opened cases of carjacking, kidnapping and triple murder. No arrests have been made andthe suspects remain at large
Anyonewith information is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel MondeSithole on 082 457 2812 or CrimeStop on 08600 10111. All information will be treatedconfidentially.
Metrorollsout20-vehiclefleettoimprovelawenforcementvisibility
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has unveiled anew R21.5 million safety andsecurity fleetaimed at strengthening crime prevention, improving emergency response times and increasing law enforcement visibility across the metro.
The fleet was officially launched on Thursdayat theSouth End FireStation by Executive MayorBabalwa Lobishe and MMC forSafety andSecurity, Luyanda Lawu
The initiative forms partofa broader multi-disciplinary crime prevention strategy implemented through aMemorandum of Cooperation between the municipality,the South African Police Service, and other keystakeholders.
ExecutiveMayor Babalwa Lobishe saidthe investmentwas intendedtoimprovethe municipality'sability to respond to both crimeand disaster situations.
"This fleet represents themunicipality's strength and its ability to deliversafety, visibilityand effective responseduringtimes of disaster and crime incidents."
Lobishe said the timing of the investment was significant givenrising crime concerns and recent disaster-related challenges in the metro.
"It comesatatime when we areseeing many crime incidents happening in the city,and we'vealso just recovered fromadisaster period. We needtobemoreproactive in termsof responding to the needs that might arise."
She confirmed that20vehicles were being deployed across key services.
"Today we are launching 20 vehicles thatare for critical services: two sedans to strengthen visibilityand law enforcement, two fire and emergencyservices vehicles, two fire andrescue tanks with two more on the way, onetraffic and licensing transporter, one breakdown vehicle,two bakkies for traffic management and roadside operations, seven Isuzu vehicles for safetyand security, two VW Polo Vivovehiclestostrengthenpatrols and disaster management, and three Ford Ranger vehicles."
Lobisheadded that further investment was underway "In addition, R4.7 million has been invested in communications equipment alreadydelivered.
We are also expecting specialised firefighting vehicles worth R27 million."
She said the overall aimwas improved servicedelivery and faster responsetimes
"Theimpact of thisinvestment will ensure faster response, greater visibility in communities, improved disaster preparednessand stronger protection of public infrastructure. This is about the safety and dignity of our people, and the fleet will serve thewhole metro."
MMC for Safety and Security, Luyanda Lawu, said the fleet was adirectresponse to ongoing safety challenges facing the municipality.
"Wegather herewith the crucial purposeto strengthen our defence against crime, which is continuously affecting our communities, where lives have been lost and municipal infrastructure damaged," he said.
Lawu also pointed to environmental risks affecting safety operations.
"Furthermore, the municipality is facing rising threats fromclimate change that is accelerating floodsand rising sea levels. This requires an approach to ensure that safety andsecurity is proactiverather than reactive."
He said the vehicles were partofawider bud-
getallocation aimedatrestoringoperational capacity and that the purchase followed an internal assessmentoffleet capacity.
"The acquisition follows acomprehensive assessment that identified the urgent need to upgrade and replace fleets that had previously been decommissioned for various reasons. Thesevehicleswerepurchased to enhance the municipality's efficiency and responsetolaw enforcement and safetychallenges."
Lawu also highlighted investment in communication systems.
"Additionally, Iwant to highlight the purchase of radios and accessoriesfor the safety and security directorate."
Responding to criticismabout the department's effectiveness, Lawu said, "Weknow there has been speculationaround the functioning of this department. We arenot hereto prove anything to anyone but to be proactive.
"Due to some processes, some issues have been delayed, but we remaincommitted. By the end of the financial year,weexpect to be spending above 40% of our allocated budget. We aremaking surethat our communities are safe."
