The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, delivered the 2026 State of the Metro Address at Ernest Swanepoel Hall in Despatch recently, setting out the Municipality’s progress, challenges and programme of action under the theme, “Decisive action to fix the metro and ensure inclusive economic growth.” The Address brought together residents, government, business, organised labour, civil society, development partners and other stakeholders around a central proposition: a functional Metro is the foundation for confidence, investment and inclusive economic growth.

The Address provided an evidence-based account of how Nelson Mandela Bay is responding to significant pressures, including drought, flooding, ageing infrastructure, service delivery demands and institutional challenges. Rather than presenting these challenges in isolation, the Municipality outlined the interventions underway to repair, modernise, strengthen and build the Metro.

Across basic service delivery, 97.7 percent of households have access to water and 95.7 percent to improved sanitation. More than 2,000 households have been connected to water and sanitation, while R1.3 billion has been invested in drought mitigation infrastructure to strengthen water security.

Infrastructure delivery is also generating measurable outputs. More than 23,500 potholes have been repaired, 27.7 kilometres of roads resurfaced and resealed, and substantial stormwater maintenance completed. Electricity infrastructure has received significant attention, including the retrofitting of 3,708 public lights and refurbishment of key transmission infrastructure.

Economic opportunity remains central to the Metro’s future. Approximately R1.45 billion in investment has been facilitated, while 16,492 work opportunities have been created through public employment programmes. Tourism generated approximately R12.8 billion for the local economy during 2024 and 2025.

The message emerging from the Address is therefore one of action, measurable progress and continued accountability, with the work now focused on converting interventions into sustained improvements in the lives of residents and expanding opportunity across the Metro.