Mayor, DA clash over water as Province steps in

KNYSNA NEWS - Differing accounts have emerged from Knysna's political leadership and DA opposition regarding the handling of the town's escalating water crisis, as the Western Cape Government confirms direct involvement to support water security and service delivery.

Mayor rejects claims of blocked assistance
Knysna Mayor Thando Matika has moved to correct what he describes as widespread misinformation suggesting that the municipality rejected assistance from Provincial or National Government. According to Matika, these claims are incorrect and misleading.

Matika confirmed that two weeks ago, during a special council meeting, Council unanimously declared Knysna a local disaster area due to the worsening water crisis.

That declaration, he explained, automatically enables intervention and support from higher spheres of government. "Council has already done what was required by law," Matika said, adding that provincial and national support processes were already under way.

Matika stressed that what Council rejected was a motion submitted by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which he characterised as politically motivated.

He said the motion sought to create the impression that Council had not acted, despite the disaster declaration already being in place. As a result of that declaration, the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, engaged with Knysna's mayoral committee and administration on Monday 15 December, when intergovernmental support had already commenced.

DA accuses coalition of rejecting intervention
The DA, however, has presented a sharply contrasting view. DA Knysna Chief Whip and Finance Spokesperson Sharon Sabbagh accused the ANC/PA/PBI/EFF coalition of rejecting a crucial opportunity for provincial intervention under Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.

In a statement issued on 12 December, Sabbagh said the DA motion aimed to voluntarily request the Western Cape Government to assume responsibility for critical service delivery functions, arguing that the municipality is no longer able to manage them effectively.

She warned that Knysna faces a potential day-zero scenario, with just over 15 days of water supply remaining should abstraction from the Knysna River be halted.

Sabbagh cited severe water losses, failing pumps, sewage spills into the estuary, declining waste removal services and millions spent on emergency measures as evidence of systemic collapse. She accused the governing coalition of prioritising political interests over residents' wellbeing, particularly ahead of the festive season.

Province confirms joint operations committee
Providing clarity on the province's role, Bredell confirmed on 15 December that the Western Cape Government will co-chair a joint operations committee (JOC) with Knysna Municipality.

The JOC will include representatives from the Knysna Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, the Provincial Department of Local Government and the National Department of Water and Sanitation.

According to Bredell, the committee's immediate focus is stabilising water supply during the peak holiday period, with longer-term infrastructure and management challenges to be addressed once the crisis eases.

Immediate interventions include the installation of a new pump at Akkerkloof Dam, accelerated leak repairs, refurbishment of boreholes and repairs at the water purification plant, expected to save at least one megalitre of water per day.

Call for unity as restrictions remain
Knysna is currently under level 4 water restrictions.

Both the mayor and the province have urged residents and visitors to comply fully, emphasising that co-operation and responsible water use are essential to ensure sufficient supply through the festive season and beyond.

Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell (second right), confirmed on 15 December that the provincial government will co-chair a joint operations committee with Knysna Municipality.

Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell (front) takes the lead during his site visit and engagement with the mayoral committee and administration on 15 December.

DA Knysna Chief Whip and Spokesperson for Finance, Sharon Sabbagh.

Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, confirmed that the Western Cape Government will co-chair a joint operations committee with Knysna Municipality.