KNYSNA NEWS - As part of a coordinated intergovernmental response, the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) conducted site visits on Tuesday , 23 December to key municipal water infrastructure in Knysna, including the Knysna Transfer Station, Knysna Water Treatment Works, Akkerkloof, and the Balancing Dam.
The visits allowed stakeholders to assess current operational conditions, confirm progress on interventions already underway, and ensure that measures remain in place to safeguard and stabilise the water supply system during the peak holiday period.
These oversight visits form part of intensified efforts led by the Western Cape Government, through the Department of Local Government, in partnership with Knysna Municipality, to address ongoing water supply and sanitation challenges.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is supporting the response through oversight, technical assistance, and funding as part of a collaborative, multi-sphere approach.
The JOC, co-chaired by the Western Cape Department of Local Government and Knysna Municipality, brings together national, provincial, and municipal stakeholders to ensure coordinated planning, implementation, and monitoring of interventions aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining water supply stability during a period of increased demand.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, MEC Anton Bredell, said the site visits were essential to ensuring interventions remain effective and responsive.
"While the system remains under pressure, strengthened coordination and oversight are making a measurable difference. The Western Cape Government will continue working closely with Knysna Municipality and national partners to stabilise supply, protect infrastructure, and support both residents and visitors during this critical period," Bredell said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting municipalities through infrastructure investment and technical guidance.
Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa said DWS continues to fund and co-fund water services authorities, including Knysna Municipality, through grant funding programmes such as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant.
She emphasised the importance of long-term water security, encouraging municipalities to diversify water sources to reduce reliance on surface water and to prioritise proactive infrastructure maintenance to ensure continuity of supply.
Knysna Mayor, Thando Matika, said the joint response highlights the value of cooperative governance. "These engagements show what can be achieved when all spheres of government work together with urgency and purpose.
While challenges remain, progress is being made, and I thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their continued cooperation and responsible water use," Matika said.
The Joint Operations Committee has assured residents and visitors that enhanced operational, maintenance, and monitoring measures remain in place to support a stable water supply. Authorities stress, however, that public cooperation remains critical.
Residents, businesses, and visitors are urged to comply fully with water restrictions, reduce consumption, and avoid all non-essential water use to help protect water resources during the festive season.
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