Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Depending on the outcome of an ongoing public participation process, a portion of a municipality-owned property in Clyde Street could become a temporary safe space for the town's homeless citizens.

"Council had previously considered establishing a shelter at 14 Church Street, but has since rescinded that resolution to consider other uses for the property," explained Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services Elmarie Maxim in a recent municipal media release.

"But we know that this is an urgent matter requiring intermediate intervention. This is why we made this section of our property in Clyde Street available as an interim solution until a permanent shelter has been established."

Council had resolved to fast-track the establishment of a homeless shelter after many vulnerable citizens had to be housed at Loerie Park with the implementation of the nationwide lockdown early in 2020. 

"We knew that this could only be a temporary solution and are continuing with the processes of identifying a site for, and establishing a permanent shelter," said Maxim. "Considering the various procedures and applications that will have to be made, it will unfortunately take some time before a permanent shelter will be established and operational.

"As a local government and as a society, we cannot ignore the problem, and we must investigate viable alternatives to alleviate the situation in the meantime," she said. "We have a social responsibility to do what we can to care for our most-at-risk members of the community."

The proposed site for the temporary safe space is located next to the municipality's main administrative building in Clyde Street, behind the municipality's Department of Integrated Human Settlements building. It is currently used as an additional parking area and storage space. 

"It is clear that the residents of Knysna appreciate the necessity of creating a permanent shelter," she said. "But careful consideration must be given to its location and the practical functionality of the site. Until these, and other procedural matters, have been finalised, a temporary safe space is an attainable, workable solution to the problem."

Any comments or objections regarding the intended usage of erf 1114, Clyde Street, Knysna must be addressed in writing to Acting Municipal Manager Johannes Jonkers at PO Box 21, Knysna 6570, or emailed to knysna@knysna.gov.za no later than 12:00 today, Thursday 11 August.

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