KNYSNA NEWS - It is alleged that when Cornuti’s won the tender for the restaurant facilities at the Knysna Heads two years ago, it was on condition that they would upgrade the area from the round-about right down to the restaurant parking area.
On inspection, it was found that no upgrading has been done at all.

Not only has Cornuti’s allegedly reneged on the promised upgrade, but according to a reliable source, Cornuti’s is over R200 000 in arrears in its rent to the Knysna Municipality.

It has further been alleged that the recent refurbishing of the former Heads Dive Shop, changing it into public toilets, is being paid for by Cornuti’s and that this cost is being offset against the restaurant’s arrears, by the Knysna Municipality. When general manager of Cornuti’s, Cameron Mitchell, was asked for comment he responded, "The owners of Cornuti’s refrain from comment."

Johnny Douglas, Knysna municipal manager, was asked to explain the municipality’s reasoning behind relocating the public toilets and the alleged payment thereof by Cornuti’s. He explained: "It is our belief that relocating the public ablution facilities is in the best interest of our residents and visitors. As it will be located more centrally, it will better service both beach goers and hikers walking the Eastern head. As the issue of payments in arrears has nothing to do with this issue, we refrain from commenting on the alleged payment in arrears." Douglas also refrained from commenting on the municipality no longer receiving the R7 000 per month rental generated from the premises of the former Heads Dive Shop, since it had been turned into public toilets.

Nor did he comment on the public ablution facility down at the water’s edge, owned by SANParks, being demolished after the municipality had spent large amounts of money on its upgrade last year during the FIFA World Cup.
"My concern is whether a mother in a bikini, swimming with her children, or a fisherman fishing from the rocks, would want to walk all the way through a car park to use an ablution facility," voiced a concerned beach-goer.

SANParks was contacted with regard to the condition of the swimming area and small beach in front of the Knysna NSRI. "The toilet facility and deck are being leased to the municipality. Due to the unsafe condition, the deck was removed in consultation with SANParks," explained Zanemvula Gozongo, communication manager for Garden Route National Park.

On the demolition of the toilets he explained: "A new facility is being constructed at the Heads at an alternative site. Once this is complete, the old toilet structure will be removed. Our reason for the removal is the dilapidated state and environmental risk of such a facility over the water."

As these facilities were upgraded a few months ago, there is no evidence of its "dilapidated" state.


SANParks spokesperson cited "dilapidation" as the reason for the Knysna Municipality’s demolition of these toilets.

ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN