Litter… the disgrace that haunts Knysna

Update Video

KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEOS - The first steps to placing Knysna under administration was taken by Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning this week.

In a 28-page letter Bredell sent to the council on Tuesday 16 April, Bredell took the first legal step to intervene in Knysna, triggered by municipality’s ‘failure and/or inability’ to fulfil certain executive obligations.

In a letter to Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, Bredell informed them he is considering making a recommendation to Premier Alan Winde and the Western Cape Cabinet to intervene in the municipality.

The letter contains a myriad of allegations of inaction relating to ecological problems – especially wastewater management and solid waste disposal.

At the heart of problem is the rubbish dump on Waterfront Drive, Waste by Rail, which is a stinking mess.

Journalist Zoe Fick went to have a look this week and braving the smell saw a huge pile of waste that includes glass, used syringes, nappies and rubbish that should be in a dustbin. A homeless person was rummaging in the filth.

Read ongoing developments in the story next week as Chris van Gass reports on the state of affairs in Knysna.