KNYSNA NEWS - The municipality is currently consulting all Greater Knysna residents on its 2019/2020 Draft Budget, the Integrated Development Plan Review (IDP) and the Spatial Development Framework. This is your opportunity to see the information that Council receives when forming annual budgets and determining rates and taxes.
The process affords communities the opportunity to have direct interaction and contact with the Mayoral Committee, Ward Councillors and senior municipal officials. At the time of this statement, meetings have been successfully concluded in Wards 1, 2, 7 and 8. Knysna Executive Mayor, Mark Willemse, commended the communities of these areas for their participation. “The attendance and insightful inputs given by these communities have been fruitful.”
He expressed his concerns about the historical apathy and lack of attendance in more affluent wards. “In the past we have noticed that, instead of actively attend or participate in the public presentations, residents in these wards opted to rather air their views in the media. This approach is counter-productive and most certainly does not strengthen relationships. I appeal and encourage residents to make use of this opportunity to engage with us.”
“Council view the public participation process as an important fact finding mission during which they can establish the real issues within communities, as well as what residents expect from their municipality”, Willemse concluded.
The draft budget of Knysna Municipality for 2019/2020 is available for inspection on the municipal website, www.knysna.gov.za and at the Municipal Customer Care Centre in Woodmill Lane, Knysna, at the Sedgefield Municipal Offices, Flamingo Street, Sedgefield and all Municipal Libraries.
Representations on the draft budget can also be submitted in writing on or before MONDAY, 20 MAY 2019 addressed to the Municipal Manager at PO Box 21, Knysna or via email to budget@knysna.gov.za.
CBD water network being upgraded
The municipality recently commenced with the replacement and rehabilitation of the existing water network within the CBD.
Old pipes are being replaced with UPVC pipes which are more tolerant to the soil condition. This work will address pressure management issues and reduce the number of pipe breaks in town. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of May.
The following streets will be affected by road side excavations: Cove, Clyde, Green, Tide, Market, Union and Market Square. Notices have been issued to the affected residents.
Technical Services Chairperson, Councillor Levael Davis thanked the affected residents for their patience and understanding. “Community members have been very cooperative and we are grateful for this. Currently the Contractor is busy with phase 1 of the project and at this stage, there will be no water interruptions in the area. When they commence with the next phase, water interruptions can be expected. This will be communicated with residents in due course.”
“We assure residents that the Contractor will repair the road and ensure that it is in good condition once the project is completed.”
The municipality developed a Strategy to manage the town’s water supply and demand situation to ensure sustainability in the long term. Davis explained that the first aspect of the water strategy was to improve the raw water supply.
“The municipality has recently completed the first phase of the Charlesford Scheme, which has almost doubled the pumping capacity out of the Knysna River. The results have been immediately apparent with the main storage dam currently at 90% of capacity giving Greater Knysna far better security of water supply than at any time in history.”
“The next phase of the Charlesford scheme is currently underway and will further improve the water security to cater for changes in weather and rainfall patterns. The total investment into the scheme will be in excess of R65 million when it is completed.”
“Knysna has been plague with water pipe breaks and the main reason for these pipe breaks can be attributed to aging infrastructure. The upgrade of the water network in the CBD is another important component of this Strategy to address our water infrastructure”, Davis concluded.
Should residents experience any water problems during this time, please contact the Water Department on 044 302 6331. Level 1 water restrictions currently apply. Report water abuse via WhatsApp 060 998 7000
Relief for those with bad debt
At the Special meeting of the Council on 15 April 2019, Knysna Executive Mayor, Mark Willemse announced that the municipality will be setting aside R24 million to write off debt on water services charges.
Willemse said, “This write off is meant to provide relief to communities that have received and complained about the huge water accounts because of inaccurate billing.
“We are setting aside R24 million to write off debt water services charges. The process is going to be a strictly administered by the financial department, with now influence from councillors. I am sure this will go a long way with addressing the frustrations of our people in Hornlee and other areas.”
Details on how the process will be administered will be published in due course.
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