The executive major Georlene Wolmarans has asked that "a very urgent" meeting be convened with all councillors "to discuss the on-going deficit relating to our infrastructure".
There has not yet been a conclusive explanation how Knysna's roads could have fallen into such a state of disrepair if regular and proper maintenance had been done.
Asked to respond to the residents' frustration with the municipality, Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring forwarded a press release to all media on Tuesday, September 23. In it Waring states that a road hierarchy system was drawn up and funds were allocated to the various wards according to this system.
"The R4.91-million approved budget was divided into R1.62-million for resealing, R1.3-million for general road maintenance and R1,99-million for gravel roads. Due to the upgrade of the Grey Street sewerline, at an amount of R4.2-million, the road surface will also be re-done."
With their frustration levels peaking and with the safety of motorists in mind, Chris van der Merwe and a group of people representing Remax Coastal assisted by Pezula Golf Estate began fixing potholes in sections of Wilson Road between George Rex Drive and the traffic circle heading up to the golf estate, last week.
"In the past few months our roads have deteriorated to such an extent that it is not only causing damage to our vehicles but it also poses serious safety issues. The cars in Wilson Street are swerving into oncoming traffic, because the road surface is terrible. We are going to set an example as responsible ratepayers and business people to fix our own public roads!" said Van der Merwe. "We feel the council is not fulfilling its primary function, service delivery. Taxpayers' money is spent everywhere else except where it originates from. It is also a driving risk – damage to vehicles and possible accidents due to swerving."
Remax Coastal employees, who also provided the necessary machinery, have taken it upon themselves to pay for and do the fixing of the potholes themselves. They say they will not invoice the Knysna Municipality, nor do they have an agreement with the municipality to be refunded. Approximately 15 potholes were fixed.
They said that if the council does not fulfill its duties, this group of responsible ratepayers, who still care for their town, may target other areas in need of urgent repairs.
Waring said that the Technical Services Directorate of the Knysna Municipality recently tabled a report outlining the road maintenance strategy for the Greater Knysna area.
She said although there were specific items included in the budget, like the resealing of the Hornlee taxi route, the ward-specific amounts will be at the discretion of the councillors and the ward committees. "The R1.62-million budgeted for resealing will be used to repair the taxi route in Hornlee. We have asked councillors and their respective ward committees for plans on how and where this money should be spent, and once we received their recommendations, these will be added to the schedule for implementation. Councillors can also allocate their R200 000 ward project budget towards road maintenance, should they wish."
According to Waring it was also decided that the maintenance programme should follow a seasonal approach. "We will be able to plan and manage resources better and it is more likely that we will have the best appropriate conditions to ensure quality work done. This means that in Winter the stormwater systems will be maintained and all temporary road repairs done, like the plugging of potholes. In Spring and Autumn road-patching will be done, and resealing in Summer."
Asked to comment on some residents' perception that she no longer cares for the town of Knysna, she gave an unusually candid response: "The perception that I do not care for the Greater Knysna Municipal Area is disconcerting and most definitely wrong. The needs of our town are great and often competing. The decisions regarding what council can and will do are often only made after lengthy debate and consideration as to what council's priorities are and what we are in a position to remedy. As accounting officer I must and do take responsibility for these decision and actions.
"There are many commentators and persons who believe that the decisions made are incorrect, and that is their right which I will always acknowledge and respect. Just because I cannot do what is asked of me, does certainly not mean that there is a dearth of caring. In fact because I care it makes it just so much more difficult. This organisation boasts a large number of knowledgeable and dedicated staff including myself and service delivery to the people of Knynsna has always been our main priority. My staff and I are very aware of the capacity and ability of the organisation and its resources - both present and absent. But even with all of its challenges, limitations and problems we are a small municipality who far exceeds the progress of any of our similar-sized counterparts. Knysna has always punched above its weight and our track record proves this.
"The ironic truth is that success attracts people - both rich and poor. Whether it is because we are able to reliably provide services, roll-out accommodation opportunities, engage with and assist emerging businesses or prove to be well-governed, people want to live here - both rich and poor. This has led to substantial growth, especially post-1994 and as a result our infrastructure could not keep up with Knysna's exponentially growing population.
"The municipality is obligated to take services to those who were previously excluded and all our residents expect the same quality of services irrespective of where they live. Council is acutely aware of the enormity of our backlogs in infrastructure maintenance. However everything is being done in its constraint."
Wolmarans said that when the meeting she called for takes place, "Some hard facts will need to be brought home and far-reaching decisions must be made. Knysna is not a wealthy town and, as with all coastal towns, will continue to feel the effect of the economic downturn for a number of years still. It simply cannot be business as usual."
For enquiries regarding specific work that will be done in the various wards, the public can contact their ward councillor via 044 302 6300.
These men pose as municipal workers, leaning on their brooms or spades, as they watch the pothole-ducking traffic go by. From the left are Xolani Ncube, Brad Portway, an unidentified worker, Chris van der Merwe, André Schutte and Robert Smit of Remax Coastal.
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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