The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber claims the bad state of infrastructure in some areas of the City, led to a second big flooding event this year.

This is despite warnings of level 6 rainfall, forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Denise van Huyssteen, the chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said flooding has impacted low-lying areas the most.

“This, the second flooding event in just four months, has highlighted the infrastructure maintenance challenges within the metro. Our view is that a lot of the damage during flooding or heavy rains can be limited, if stormwater drains are regularly cleaned and alien vegetation is removed from rivers.”

van Huyssteen said the Markman area, Perseverance and Kariega were reportedly the most impacted due to poor state of infrastructure, while damage and disruptions were reported to business in areas such as Neave/Korsten, Perseverance, Baakens Valley, Kariega, Newtown Park and Deal Party.

“Four businesses in North End and one in Deal Party have had their operations flooded, while 90% of manufactures in the Struandale area have not been able to operate due to a power outage which kicked in at 03h00 today. This is the second power outage in the area since Saturday and is unrelated to the floods.”

About 81% of businesses said in a survey conducted by the chamber, they were affected by floods.
Of these, 62% reported a high rate of absenteeism.

Van Huyssteen also said the taxi industry, which provides a vital service to thousands of commuters across the metro, was unable to access many flooded roads.

Picture: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

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