KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna municipality says it continues to make significant progress in implementing the Section 154 Support Plan.

The latest progress report, dated December 2024, was served before council at its meeting on 29 January.

Recent advancements had built upon previously reported improvements, with a focus on addressing financial sustainability, infrastructure development and enhanced public engagement.

'Governance stability'

Municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba emphasised the importance of these latest strides.

Key update

The municipality says the near completion of the Organisational Structure Review, which is set to streamline operations and optimise staffing levels, is one of the key updates contained in the report.

The finalisation of critical appointments, including several managerial roles, had strengthened municipal leadership, ensuring better oversight and efficiency.

Smart meters

On the financial front, the Audit Action Plan was now 97% complete, marking a significant milestone in resolving previous compliance issues. Meanwhile, smart meter implementation continued to expand, enhancing revenue-collection efficiency.

The municipality had also adopted a comprehensive Budget Funding Plan to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

Engagement model

Efforts to enhance public participation had led to the introduction of a revised stakeholder engagement model. This included a reactivated consultation database to improve communication between the municipality and community organisations.

"We are well aware of the challenges we face and are committed to tackle them head on," Mapholoba said.

Department notices

"Highlighting our difficulties in terms of waste management, issues at the wastewater treatment works and sewage overflow from blocked wastewater infrastructure, we have received a letter of intent to issue two notices from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment."

The department delivered its intention to issue a Coastal Protection Notice and a Compliance Notice, in terms of the relevant legislation, to Mapholoba in a letter dated 30 January.

Site inspections

This letter of intent follows site inspections conducted by environmental management inspectors from the department, South African National Parks and the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency, at the wastewater treatment works (WWTW) and various manholes and pump stations within the municipal area.

The municipality had 14 calendar days from the receipt of this letter to provide the department with written reasons as to why it should not exercise its discretion in terms of the administrative notices.

'Implementing steps'

"We are already implementing steps to address these issues in terms of the Section 154 Support Plan," Mapholoba said.

"These include identifying and eliminating the causes of blockages at manholes and the WWTW, and taking measures to repair and maintain our sewerage and treatment infrastructure.

'Optimum functionality'

"We are committed to ensure the optimum functionality of this infrastructure to protect the environmental integrity of our estuary and coastal area at large."

The development of the Water Services Master Plan had progressed with the assistance of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

It focused on finalising a five-year reliability study and updating the Water Services Development Plan in collaboration with the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent.

Refurbishment plan

The WWTW refurbishment plan was advancing, with an environmental authorisation process to address regulatory requirements underway.

A service provider had been appointed to manage mechanical and electrical repairs and preliminary cost estimates of R3 million had been allocated for short-term improvements.

'Sustained effort'

"Looking ahead, the focus remains on fully aligning with the Section 154 and Section 139 interventions, completing all outstanding recruitment and ensuring the effective implementation of strategic service delivery projects," Mapholoba said.

"The momentum we've gained is encouraging, but we recognise that sustained effort and collaboration are essential for lasting change."

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