The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber remains concerned over water losses experienced in the metro, with current figures showing that 48% of the city’s non-revenue water being lost due to leaks and deteriorating infrastructure.
“This is not just a technical issue, it speaks to the critical importance of safeguarding one of our most essential resources,” says Denise van Huyssteen, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. “It is concerning that a city which came close to running dry just three years ago is now losing nearly half its water through avoidable infrastructure shortcomings.”
Van Huyssteen highlighted the shared responsibility required in addressing the issue, calling on businesses, residents and local government to take active steps towards water preservation. “Three years ago, the business community responded swiftly during the drought crisis. Now, we are appealing to all stakeholders once again to act responsibly, to use water sparingly, to fix leaks, and to adopt practices such as rainwater harvesting wherever possible. Every action, however small, contributes to the broader goal of sustainability.”
Despite current dam levels remaining relatively healthy, Van Huyssteen cautioned against complacency. “While the dams may not be empty today, the ongoing loss of millions of litres of clean, treated water each day is a serious concern. The financial and environmental costs are significant and unsustainable.”
She pointed to the Chamber’s previous efforts during the drought period, particularly the Adopt-a-School initiative. Through this programme, 76 schools with high water consumption due to plumbing issues were assisted by Chamber member companies, who used their own resources to make necessary repairs. This initiative saved the metro an estimated 1.7 million litres of water each month. “This was a powerful example of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and it demonstrated what can be achieved when there is a shared sense of responsibility and urgency. It also reaffirms our view that our city is the most fixable metro,” she said.
However, Van Huyssteen noted that water infrastructure management in the metro remains a concern. “Preventative maintenance should be the norm, not the exception. By addressing issues early, we not only save water, we also reduce long-term costs and improve service delivery.”
The Chamber is encouraging continued investment in sustainable water practices across all sectors, including the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and water-efficient technologies. “Water preservation is something that must become embedded in our way of life, in our homes, businesses and institutions.”
Van Huyssteen added “By working together, we can ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay’s water supply remains secure for generations to come. Let this be the moment we reaffirm our collective commitment to responsible water stewardship.”
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