Airport Valley relocation: Metro assists with consensual demolition

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02-10-2026
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Algoa FM
Source

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said progress is being made on the long-delayed Airport Valley housing development after relocating about 125 residents to a nearby temporary site.

Spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya thanked Airport Valley residents for cooperating with the relocation process, allowing the planned housing development to move forward.

He said that while some residents continue to resist the relocation, those who have moved have been accommodated in temporary houses in a nearby safe area.

The 445-unit Airport Valley housing development has been delayed for more than three years due to resistance from some residents.

Soyaya said some of those opposing the relocation are not beneficiaries of the housing project.

He said on Monday, 28 September 2026, the Municipality assisted a number of residents with consensual demolition and relocation to the temporary site.

Once the relocation process is complete, the Municipality says it will move swiftly to develop the sites and install services in preparation for construction of the houses.

The Municipality has also condemned what it describes as the spread of incorrect information about the development. It says some residents have allegedly given housing beneficiaries inaccurate information, causing confusion and frustration.

The delays have also had financial implications.

Soyaya said the Municipality was forced to return funding to National Treasury during the previous financial year because of delays in the relocation process.

The Municipality is now urging the remaining residents who are resisting the relocation to allow the project to proceed.

Nelson Mandela Bay is facing an estimated housing backlog of about 100,000 units, making it crucial to implement planned housing developments without unnecessary delays.