Rail encampment fire reignites safety concerns

KNYSNA NEWS - A fire that broke out at the encampment near the Waste Transfer Station in Knysna on Saturday 11 October, has reignited concerns about public safety, health hazards, and municipal inaction.

The incident caused significant damage to nearby businesses, renewing fears of a disaster reminiscent of the 2017 Knysna fires.

Damage to local businesses
The fire, believed to have been started by a candle, spread to the fences of Freshline Fisheries and Tait Marine. Gareth Azzie, owner of Tait Marine, reported damage to three boats and eight boat covers, with losses estimated at R300 000.

"This is the sixth fire-related incident in three years. The fire brigade responds to the fire, but there's never any follow-up from the municipality," Azzie said.

Ongoing fire and health risks
Business owners and residents warn that the encampment is a long-standing fire and health hazard. According to Azzie, squatters defecate openly near businesses, which negatively affects tourism. "Knysna depends on tourism, but this situation is crippling it," he said.

Candice Barnard, owner of Salt & Petals restaurant, described the squatters as aggressive and claims they frighten both tourists and locals. She recalled a smash-and-grab incident at a nearby traffic light and said she no longer feels confident assuring tourists that it's safe to walk to Thesen Island.

Failed relocation attempts and municipal plans
According to municipal communications manager Christopher Bezuidenhout, the municipality has made several attempts to assist the homeless individuals in the area. "In October 2022, an agreement was reached with the affected parties, and housing structures were provided to them in the Heidevallei area.

Unfortunately, these individuals reportedly sold the housing units, and the structures were subsequently vandalised as they abandoned them," he said.

Bezuidenhout further said that a proposal for a permanent shelter solution will serve before the council at its next ordinary meeting. "If approved, the project's completion is expected approximately seven months after the land is handed over for development," he said.

"An NGO is currently offering support to homeless individuals by providing food parcels and facilitating transport to the Department of Home Affairs for those seeking to obtain identification documents and apply for social grants. The municipality also contributes funding to assist with these transport needs."

Some inhabitants say they've lived at the site for over a decade and would leave if proper housing were provided. "If the municipality came with houses, we'd move and demolish this place," one resident said.

With no fencing on the Transnet-owned land and frustration mounting, residents and businesses are demanding urgent, long-term solutions from the Knysna Municipality.

The inhabitants of the encampment at the waste rail say that they would vacate and demolish the camp should the municipality provide them with homes somewhere else. Photo: Rozano Alie