Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The municipality has established a joint operations centre to co-ordinate multi-agency efforts to deal with the ongoing problems with water supply in parts of the town and in outlying areas.
It said yesterday the centre would remain functional until the supply problems were solved.
"This is in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, and the Disaster Management Plan of the municipality."
The Western Cape government, Garden Route District Municipality's (GRDM) disaster management directorate, Knysna SAPS, Knysna Infrastructure Group, the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, municipal law enforcement, traffic services, and fire and rescue services have been providing assistance to the municipality.
The activation of the joint operations centre will ensure that this co-ordinated response to the water supply failures is effectively facilitated.
"We are grateful for the substantial support received from the Western Cape government and the GRDM," said Knysna Mayor Thando Matika.
'Come in at critical time'
Matika also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from the Knysna Infrastructure Group and the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, "who have both come in at a critical time to strengthen our response".
The municipality said two water tankers are supplying water to Rheenendal residents, and once the problems with the water supply there are solved, the tankers will be used to supply residents in other areas.
The GRDM had provided two water trucks, and neighbouring municipalities had indicated their willingness to support Knysna municipality's relief efforts.
Water distribution zones
A total of six water trucks are delivering water to affected communities. To ensure effective distribution, the affected areas have been divided into zones, and water deliveries take place daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
"This collaborative, cross-sector approach ensures that water is delivered swiftly and efficiently to all affected communities. All participating stakeholders remain fully committed to mitigating the impact of the disruption and restoring normality as soon as possible," the municipality said.
Updates on the water situation will be provided.
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