Nelson Mandela Bay activates comprehensive drought mitigation plan

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated and is implementing a comprehensive Drought Mitigation Plan as dam levels supplying the metro approach critical levels, following the declaration of a national disaster in the Eastern Cape.

In February 2026, the National Disaster Management Centre classified the drought affecting the province, including Nelson Mandela Bay, as a national disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002).

The declaration underscores the severity of the water crisis and enables coordinated national support measures.

Against this backdrop, the combined dam levels supplying Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are now on the brink of dropping below the critical 40% threshold.

According to the municipality, as of 16 March 2026, the metro’s combined dam levels stood at 40.29%, dangerously close to levels where water security becomes severely constrained.

Approximately 10% of total dam capacity is classified as dead storage and cannot be