The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has announced plans to build temporary surface stormwater drains in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. MEC Zolile Williams made the announcement during an oversight visit to flood-affected areas on 5 June 2026.
MEC Zolile Williams visited Kuyga in Ward 40 after persistent heavy rainfall caused flooding across the metro. Old drainage systems have been blamed for the severity of recent floods. Williams said the department would develop temporary stormwater channels on road surfaces. He added that engineers advised bringing gravel and opening channels to control water flow, especially in informal settlements. Nearly three thousand residents were evacuated to local centres during the flooding. All schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and parts of the Sarah Baartman district remained closed on 5 June due to expected heavy rains.