Bay municipality has a pioneering role to become the vanguard of climate resilience – PCC – NMBM

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality played a pivotal role in
the development of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) Report entitled A
framework for a Just Transition in South Africa and can develop the
blueprint for others to follow, as a climate resilient city.

Presidential Climate Commissioner Dhesigen Naidoo, also a World
Bank Senior Advisor, made these remarks at a workshop themed Building a
Climate Resilient Nelson Mandela Bay today.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has been drought-stricken
for almost six years and experiences localised flooding from time to time.

“Before the end of 2023 the first phase of a blueprint for a
climate resilient Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will be in place.

“Even though we do have plenty of reasons to feel sorry for
ourselves, as a champion city, a champion province, and a champion country, we can
use our current climate challenges as a turning point to invest in the
environment. This will help us to overcome the impact of climate change.

“You have a remarkable set of resilient people in this city,
which is a fantastic asset, along with the ecological beauty of this area.

“The business sector, local government and the private sector
contributed generously towards the framework. The knowledge support you require
is therefore not just on a global level, it is also local,” Commissioner Naidoo
said.

Participants discussed Climate and Ecosystems, Low Carbon Economy
and Governance during the breakaway sessions.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van
Niekerk said a mindset change is a requisite to fight climate change.

“The rich can fend for themselves if they do not have water,
electricity or other resources. The poor cannot. It is our responsibility to
provide solutions for them. Climate change must therefore have a pro-poor
agenda.

“We owe it to our children and the next generation to leave
the world a better place than we found it in.

“If we want to effectively deal with climate change and
build climate resilience, we have to think differently.

“A narrow focus on filling potholes, tarring roads and housing
delivery are just some of the basic services we must deliver. Yes, we must do
it and do it well. However, we must be more strategic.

“What about long-term strategies like investing in nature to
build climate resilience? Sustainable environmental strategies like minimizing
waste on dumpsites, recycling and innovative waste management plans are just
some of the issues on our to-do list,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.

The Presidential Climate Commission is an independent statutory
advisory body established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

#13;

Issued on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor by
Media Management Officer Kupido Baron (082 780 2726 / 041 506 1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za / @kupidobaron).