A slow turnaround in Knysna water crisis

KNYSNA NEWS - Despite growing public frustration and perceptions that Knysna is worse off than before, community stakeholders insist that meaningful progress has been made since the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) ruled out placing the Knysna Municipal Council under administration.

Earlier this year, Western Cape MEC Anton Bredell's call to dissolve the council was rejected following submissions from community organisations, including AfriForum and Knysna Infrastructure Group (Kig), who argued for an alternative intervention approach.

AfriForum: Intervention needed, but not a takeover
AfriForum's Marthinus Erasmus reiterated that the organisation never opposed intervention outright, but rather a top-down dissolution of council.

According to Erasmus, such an approach would have further destabilised the municipality, especially with re-elections likely to occur during the festive season when many residents are away.

"We hold firm that interventions without community buy-in rarely succeed," Erasmus said, adding that Knysna's challenges - ranging from deteriorating infrastructure and questionable procurement to weak financial discipline - require partnership-based solutions.

AfriForum has since committed to signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the municipality, enabling practical involvement.

One of its primary planned projects includes restoring and managing the troubled garden refuse site. "Real change must come from the community, not politically motivated processes," Erasmus said.

Kig stands by Section 139(b)
Kig, represented by Eugene Vermaak, confirmed it does not regret its submission to the Western Cape Provincial Government and NCOP.

Kig maintains that a Section 139(b) intervention, offering extended support and capacitation rather than a full takeover, should have been implemented from the outset.

"Kig will continue supporting the municipality where we can, in the absence of sufficient governmental or provincial assistance," Vermaak said.

Tangible service delivery improvements
Since the NCOP ruling and the signing of the Kig MoU, several measurable improvements have been reported.

Fourteen of 23 sewage pump stations were restored within 10 days, following the return of 43 long-outstanding sewage pumps to Knysna Municipality.

Additionally, a major water loss at Dam-se-Bos was identified and repaired, significantly improving water security in the area.

Environmental and infrastructure gains
Environmental outcomes have also improved. Salt River's E. coli levels dropped dramatically from 850 000 E. coli/100ml in August to 160 by November - well below the acceptable threshold of 500.

The waste transfer station remains a challenge. According to Kig, the ageing conveyor system has exceeded its lifespan, causing recurring breakdowns.

While a long-term solution, potentially including waste-to-energy, is needed, the municipality continues managing interim repairs.

Community voices acknowledge change
Community activist Lynn Kayster says noticeable improvements have followed the MoU signing. She credits stronger communication, better resource allocation, new tools for staff, increased teams, and improved compensation.

"The fact that we hear more doesn't mean problems are worse," she said. "It means more is being done."

While challenges remain, stakeholders agree: turning Knysna around will take time - but collaboration appears to be steering the ship in the right direction.

Community activist Lynn Kayster. Photo: Rozano Alie