Coastal towns face water and power disruption after severe storms

Severe weather has left parts of the Eastern and Western Cape dealing with electricity outages and strained water systems, municipal officials have said.

Who is affected and what happened

Some residents in the Eastern Cape are experiencing electricity outages and water shortages after storms that struck last week. Municipalities on the coast reported multiple service disruptions and precautionary measures at public facilities.

Water systems under pressure

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said its water supply system remains under immense pressure because large amounts of sludge are affecting operations at water treatment works. The municipality said temporary decreases in the water supply are to be expected over the coming days to allow for necessary desludging.

The Bitou Municipality reported that water production has been periodically reduced at night. In Kariega, officials said the water supply has improved and reservoir levels have generally been maintained at reasonable levels.

Officials identified Tyrellville, Lapland and Kamesh as the areas most critical and hardest hit by water challenges. The report states that water trucks are being dispatched to ensure continuity.

Operational interruptions and repairs

The Loerie Water Treatment Works on the western side of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro was temporarily taken offline for filter maintenance. Water was temporarily shut down along the Chelsea system, which reduced flow at the Chelsea and KwaNobuhle 4 reservoirs. Production has since been restored as the water plant returned to operation, and officials expect water to be restored and flows to improve during the day and overnight.

A leak was discovered in the water supply running to Colchester, the municipalities reported.

Electricity works and safety closures

A planned electricity shutdown is scheduled for 23 June 2026 to enable electrical infrastructure improvements to the supply serving the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works. During that shutdown the plant will be out of production, while the remainder of the municipal water supply is described as stable.

The New Horizon Library in Bitou Municipality has been temporarily closed after water was seen leaking through electrical plugs and related infrastructure. The Bitou Municipality said a notice will be issued once the library reopens.

What residents should expect

• Temporary reductions in water supply to allow desludging and maintenance.
• Night-time reductions in water production in parts of Bitou.
• Dispatch of water trucks to affected areas.
• A planned electricity shutdown on 23 June 2026 affecting the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works.

Municipal officials continue maintenance and repair work as they monitor water flows and electrical infrastructure following the severe weather.