Update on electricity infrastructure incident and stabilisation measures.
Published: March 19, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
.jpg)
A transmission pylon on the Chelsea–Arlington–Walmer–Summerstrand line collapsed on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, following gale force winds experienced across the metro. This has caused a loss of supply to Summerstrand and Walmer.
The affected structure forms part of a transmission line that had already been identified for refurbishment under the Municipality’s phased infrastructure upgrade plan. This work is scheduled for implementation in the second phase of planned electricity network improvements, for which budgetary provisions have been requested as part of ongoing infrastructure renewal efforts.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electricity and Energy, Cllr Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, alongside Acting Executive Director Bernhardt Lamour and senior officials from the department, conducted a detailed on-site inspection this morning to assess the extent of the damage and to implement immediate response measures. Work is currently underway to determine the safest and most effective way to reroute the affected line and restore power supply to impacted areas as quickly and safely as possible.
Acting Executive Director for Electricity and Energy, Mr. Bernhardt Lamour said, "Equipment is being brought in as we speak, with work commencing this afternoon and continuing from tomorrow morning. As things stand, repair work is expected to take approximately 21 days. We want to assure residents that we will do our utmost to ensure the work is carried out as efficiently and safely as possible.”
The Electricity & Energy Directorate is actively inspecting transmission infrastructure across the metro and implementing reinforcement measures where required. Broader inspections are underway on key transmission lines, with priority given to strengthening vulnerable pylons and accelerating plans for phased infrastructure replacement.
Restoring electricity supply safely and efficiently to affected communities remains the Municipality’s top priority. Every effort is being made to minimise downtime while ensuring the safety of both residents and technical teams on site.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is fast-tracking interventions aimed at strengthening and modernising the electricity network to improve resilience and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Municipality acknowledges the inconvenience and disruption this incident has caused to residents and businesses in the affected areas. We extend our sincere appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by the communities of Summerstrand and Walmer during this time.
Further updates will be provided as progress is made.
Top stories
Mahlobo calls for science-driven action to tackle water crisis March 19, 2026
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has underscored the critical role of academic institutions in shaping solutions to South Africa’s water challenges.
Nelson Mandela Bay increases ward councillor discretionary fund March 16, 2026
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has increased the Ward Councillor Discretionary Allowance from R100 000 to R150 000 per ward councillor, raising the total annual allocation from R6 million to R9 million per financial year.