The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has successfully restored its telephone services after weeks of disruption caused by an outstanding R9 million telecommunications debt that left residents unable to access essential municipal services.
The telecommunications crisis had severely impacted the municipality’s operations, with residents unable to contact ward councillor offices, log service requests or reach any municipal office via landline.
The situation prompted urgent intervention demands from opposition councillors, who called upon the Acting City Manager to resolve the mounting debt crisis. During the blackout period, the municipality’s inability to maintain basic communication infrastructure highlighted the ongoing financial challenges facing the Eastern Cape municipality.
The R9 million debt had accumulated over an extended period, ultimately resulting in service providers cutting telecommunications access to municipal facilities.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has now encouraged Nelson Mandela Bay residents to resume using municipal services by contacting the NMBM Call Centre on 0800 20 50 50.
The restored call centre provides support for residents requiring assistance with various municipal matters.
“Residents can utilise the call centre for a wide range of services,” the municipality stated, outlining that the facility handles account queries, water and sanitation issues, electricity matters, vandalism reports and other service delivery-related concerns.
The centre also provides information about various municipal departments to ensure residents can access the appropriate services efficiently.
