Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, visited Knysna on Saturday, 17 January, to assess the town’s deepening water crisis as dam levels continue to decline and residents face the imminent threat of dry taps.

During her visit, Majodina conducted inspections at key water sources, including the Sedgefield/Karatara River system and Akkerkloof Dam, Knysna’s primary water supply. She also participated in a community engagement at the Khayalethu Community Hall in Ward 7. 

The minister is expected to steer a meeting with business stakeholders on Sunday, 18 January, at the Knysna Council Chamber, aimed at coordinating urgent interventions and mitigation measures.

According to Daily Maverick journalist Elaine King, as of 16 January Akkerkloof Dam was sitting at just 15% capacity. At the current rate of consumption and ongoing water losses, Knysna is estimated to have only 10 days of water supply remaining before taps could run dry.

Mayor Thando Matika (left) with Minister of Water and Sanitation , Pemmy Majodina along with other delegates during yesterday's site visit to Akkerkloof Dam. Photo: Supplied

The municipality is currently enforcing Level 4 water restrictions. Households are limited to 6 kilolitres of water per month, which translates to approximately 50 litres per person per day for a household of four. Despite these restrictions, water losses remain severe.

At least 8,000 households are believed to be bypassing water meters through illegal connections, while in other cases meters are broken or non-functional. The municipality recovers no revenue from this lost water. 

Frequent pipe bursts and leaks further exacerbate the situation, resulting in substantial wastage at a time when supplies are critically low.

As previously reported by the Knysna-Plett Herald, residents suggested repurposing neglected wheelie bins stored at an industrial "bin graveyard" to assist with water conservation. 

At the time, the municipality did not respond to the proposal. However, Daily Maverick has since reported that plans are now underway to distribute these discarded bins to residents for rainwater harvesting.

Daily Maverick reported that plans are now under way to distribute these discarded bins to residents for rainwater harvesting. Photo: Supplied

Ward 11 Councillor Russell Arends confirmed that at least 1,000 wheelie bins - originally intended for refuse collection - have been lying unused for several years. "These bins will be issued to residents to catch rainwater," Arends said, although the municipality has yet to disclose details on how the distribution process will be implemented.

Arends, who chairs the Knysna Municipality Infrastructure Committee, said the crisis was inevitable due to decades of underinvestment in water infrastructure. "The original water infrastructure was built more than 30 years ago for a population of about 60,000 people. Knysna now has over 100,000 residents, yet the infrastructure has not been significantly upgraded," he said.

He also highlighted a critical shortage of skilled personnel. "The municipality’s organogram provides for 65 technicians to manage water and wastewater systems, but only 38 are currently employed. That leaves a shortfall of 27 technicians, which severely impacts our ability to address leaks and maintenance issues."

During Saturday’s community engagement, residents accused the municipality of mismanagement, including the alleged diversion of water tanks by certain ward councillors and the wastage of water and resources. 

Community members also raised concerns about repeated pipe bursts and leaks, which they claimed were caused by incompetence among municipal technicians or contracted plumbers. In several reported incidents, residents said no one was held accountable for the resulting water losses.

The municipality has acknowledged these concerns and stated that investigations into water losses and infrastructure failures are ongoing. Officials have now committed to holding employees accountable where negligence or misconduct related to water management is identified.

The first 12 water tanks, generously donated by Africa Tanks, have arrived in Knysna from Gift of the Givers head office in Pietermaritzburg to support local relief efforts amid the current water crisis. Photo: Supplied

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers arrived in Knysna on Saturday with much-needed relief. The organisation, supported by Africa Tanks and its Pietermaritzburg head office, donated 12 water tankers to assist communities most affected by the shortage.

Further political intervention is expected, with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde set to visit Knysna on Tuesday, 20 January. 

As dam levels continue to drop and pressure mounts on local government, residents and businesses are anxiously awaiting decisive action to prevent a total collapse of the town’s water supply.

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