Knysna MM seeks to rebuild trust

KNYSNA NEWS - “The people of Knysna deserve a municipality that is responsive, professional and accountable. Public confidence can only be rebuilt through visible action, improved performance and a culture of accountability,” said the acting municipal manager, Boy Manqoba Ngubo, who is currently focused on rebuilding public trust among the residents of Greater Knysna following his recent appointment.

Three pillars key to effective governance
Ngubo acknowledged that restoring public trust requires more than commitments and assurances. “A municipality functions effectively when three critical pillars work together: the council, the administration and the public.

Over recent months, residents have shown remarkable resilience, while civil society organisations, community leaders and various stakeholders have stepped forward to offer assistance and support to the municipality.

This commitment from our communities places an even greater responsibility on the administration to perform, to account and to deliver.”

Assessing service delivery challenges
Since taking office on 6 May, Ngubo has conducted several site visits and operational assessments across key service departments.

These engagements have provided him with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the municipality, prompting swift interventions aimed at improving staff performance, institutional efficiency and service delivery.

Ngubo noted the ongoing hardship endured by the residents of Greater Knysna due to infrastructure-related challenges affecting water supply, wastewater systems, electricity services and other essential municipal functions.

Recognising the impact these challenges have had on communities, businesses and public confidence, he has embarked on a comprehensive programme of inspections, assessments and stakeholder engagements aimed at restoring stability and accountability within the administration.

Residents frustrated by recurring infrastructure failures
Community activist Lynn Kayster expressed her frustration with the municipality, particularly regarding what she described as repeated excuses whenever recurring infrastructure and wastewater system problems arise.

Kayster noted that Knysna has appointed several municipal managers over the past few years and said the explanations offered for the ongoing service delivery failures have become predictable.

“The problem remains and the excuses are the same. They are simply handed over to the new municipal manager, who then accepts those excuses. It makes it so much harder for Knysna residents to trust the authorities,” she said.

She further stated that one of her primary concerns was the municipality’s telemetry system. “They are aware of the interlinked reservoir systems, and they know that if the Bigai Reservoir experiences problems, it is inevitable that both Sunridge and Noetzie will be affected. We know pipes break, but we should be asking why they break,” she said.

Promises vs action
Although Ngubo is working to mend the broken trust among the Greater Knysna’s residents, Kayster is of the opinion that action and accountability - rather than promises and words - will be the true starting point for rebuilding public confidence.

Apart from rebuilding confidence, the municipality has also highlighted upgrades and the implementation of pumps at various pump stations.

However, despite these interventions, residents were once again left without water. Tanker services were deployed, but many residents questioned their effectiveness.

“Tankers keep being deployed, but it is not even effective, because they are still not getting it right. So how do we build trust?” Kayster concluded.

Community activist Lynn Kayster. Photo: Rozano Alie