KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna has its own group of super heroes, that fix things - they are called the Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG).
You won't see them strutting around in their super hero outfits, but more likely see them facilitating work alongside approved Knysna municipality contractors, fixing potholes, a broken water pipe, and seeing to the odd sewage problem in the town.
"Our main focus has been water security and ensuring a healthy estuary," says Eugene Vermaak, whose idea it was to start the group.
Appeal for support
But ventures like the KIG cost money, and now the KIG are appealing for support from the Knysna community, to continue their work - with the main thrust at the moment keeping an engineer on site to ensure Knysna and Sedgefield's wastewater treatment plants work.
The KIG have launched an appeal to stabilise their funding, so that they can budget properly and ensure the engineer they are using, and costing them R55 000 a month, will continue the critical role he plays in being on site and helping the municipality.
Raised R70 00
"If we can get 1 000 contributors who contribute R100 a month, we can ensure an annuity income that we can budget for," says Vermaak.
Main water line in April-May last year. No water could be pumped from Charlesford pump station, and the KIG paid R80 000 to make sure Knysna had water.
Already 74 people in Knysna have committed to making such contributions and some have paid upfront for 12 months, so far raising R70 000.
The funds have also been used to hire a TLB digger that comes in handy when attending to pipe bursts.
'Easy to complain'
The KIG wrote to residents in August 2024, saying: "It is easy to complain about the inadequacy of the Knysna municipality, but this is not going to solve any problems. Unless an effective private partnership with the KM is established, the situation will deteriorate very quickly, which will adversely affect everyone living in the town."
Another operation facilitated by the KIG.
'Another crisis'
Vermaak said on Monday 10 February 2025: "Only today we have another crisis. Pipes from the wastewater plant are clogged up and the municipality does not have the people to fix it. If we don't do something about it, all the sludge will end up in Knysna lagoon."
Gas chlorinator system
Another task for the KIG is to fix the gas chlorinator system, to ensure a clean water supply for the town.
"We are a group of dedicated members of the Knysna community, working tirelessly to maintain and improve our town's critical infrastructure.
"With expertise in engineering and problem-solving, we step in where urgent repairs and maintenance are needed - fixing burst pipes, restoring water security, and ensuring our town's essential services remain operational," says Vermaak.
Treatment plant restored
In September 2024, the KIG, in partnership with Regional Wastewater, successfully reinstated operations at the Knysna Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
"We funded an on-site engineering resource to keep the plant running daily. We provided the necessary chemicals (at our own cost) after multiple requests to the municipality went unanswered."
100% community-funded
Vermaak says the crucial work done by the KIG is 100% community-funded - "by residents like you" - through a separate, transparent bank account held with the Greater Knysna Business Chamber (Registered NPO).
"The future of the WWTP is at risk! As of December 2024, KIG's funding is running out. Without urgent support, the WWTP may once again fall into disrepair, with devastating consequences for Knysna's estuary and public health.
"How can you help? Every contribution counts. Join us in keeping Knysna's infrastructure alive.
"Donate today to help secure Knysna's future!"
For more information visit Home | Knysna Infrastructur
Banking details:
Bank: Standard
Account holder: The Greater Knysna Business Chamber
Reg No: 2000/015490/08
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