KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality has called on residents and businesses not to contact the municipality regarding any problems caused by the company installing fibre network in the municipal area.

People should rather communicate directly with those contracted by the municipality to do the project.

Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis said that in the event of any damage or interruption of services (electricity, water, sewerage or another provider), the supervisor on site is required to log a damage report and immediately notify the contact person as listed on their wayleave (right of way document).

"They [residents and businesses] must also inform the Octotel head office (087 470 0800 and build@octotel.co.za), and the Uplink head office (081 322 6992 and juanita@up-link.africa)," he said.

Adonis said Octotel, currently installing fibre in the area, is a licensed fibre installer.

"They had to meet certain requirements before they started with the installation. Wayleaves and permits had to be obtained from relevant authorities and notifications were sent to all regarding the commencement date of construction. Octotel appointed a contractor and an engineer to arrange a site meeting and all relevant parties were invited to attend," he said.

Adonis said construction letters were also hand-delivered to every home and business within the scope of work.

"The contractor and engineers identified challenging areas, and these were discussed with the relevant authorities. If residents or business owners have complaints or queries, they should not contact the municipality, but Octotel directly," he said.

Adonis said this is a positive initiative for Knysna.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the advantage of having fast internet throughout the Knysna area can only benefit the town and its economy," he said.

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