NMBM INVESTMENT IN SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS
Published: February 11, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The commitment made by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to improve water and sanitation infrastructure that supports economic growth and secures existing investments is bearing fruit.
This commitment is demonstrated through a R16 million refurbishment investment in the Kelvin Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kariega.
The plant supports several key industries within Nelson Mandela Bay, including multinational companies such as Volkswagen South Africa, Tromberg, Schubert, and other automotive component manufacturing industries.
Over the past three years, the plant suffered damage as a result of floods and vandalism, which negatively affected its performance. This poor performance had a direct impact on the linked industries, particularly neighbouring industrial operations.
To address these challenges, comprehensive mechanical and electrical refurbishment work was undertaken, which included the following:
Construction of a new concrete platform to house the new inlet works pump sets.
Manufacture and installation of six new pump sets, namely Gorman Rupp T10 Eradicator pumps, belt-driven by 45kW electric motors and mounted on custom galvanised over-mount bases.
Installation of three pump sets per sump, designed to cope with peak wet weather conditions by operating in a two-duty, one-standby configuration.
Alterations to the existing galvanised manifold, which was rotated by 90 degrees so that delivery branches now face vertically upwards.
Installation of new HDPE and galvanised pipework to accommodate the revised configuration incorporating six pumps.
Use of galvanised pipework directly on the pumps to reduce heat transfer, followed by HDPE pipework with electrofusion welded fittings to ensure durability and longevity. HDPE has a design life of 100 years, resulting in cost savings for the Municipality.
Installation of new AVK knife valves to isolate relevant pipework and stop flows during maintenance or in the event of blockages.
Installation of new AVK swing check valves to ensure pumps remain primed and to prevent reverse flow. These valves are fitted with counter-levers.
The counter-levers not only indicate pump operation and flow through the pipework but also act as a buffer against water hammer.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said the Metro has a clear plan to aggressively invest in infrastructure to support the existing economy and attract new investors.
"We are fully aware of the ageing infrastructure and the growing population that continues to place increased demands on our systems. We are pleased that this infrastructure is now fully operational, and that disruptions to
sanitation services for the people of Kariega and its industries will be a thing of the past,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe.
The plant can now operate optimally at a capacity of 24 million litres per day.
This capacity currently serves the entire Kariega area and parts of KwaNobuhle. In the medium to long term, the Metro plans to expand the plant to treat 30 million litres per day in the medium term and up to 50 million litres per day in the long term, in line with population growth and the expanding economy of Kariega.
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