KNYSNA NEWS - Residents have raised questions about hundreds of black wheelie bins that have been lying unused for years near the local graveyard in the Knysna industrial area. 

The bins, which appear neglected and are surrounded by overgrown vegetation, resemble a dumping site rather than a properly maintained municipal storage facility.

The wheelie bins are the same type that is mandatory for Knysna households and are strictly assigned to general domestic waste.

However, residents say the prolonged lack of use and poor upkeep of the area has prompted growing concern, particularly during ongoing water shortages and drought conditions affecting the town. 

According to residents, the bins have been gathering dust for several years with no visible effort to distribute, repurpose or maintain them. The surrounding area reportedly shows little sign of regular cleaning or rehabilitation.

Recently, a suggestion shared on social media has reignited debate around the unused bins.

A resident proposed that the wheelie bins be put to constructive use by distributing them to households as rainwater collection containers for non-potable purposes.

The proposal was especially aimed at assisting elderly residents and low-income households who cannot afford water tanks and often struggle to access communal water points during supply interruptions.

"This could be a practical way to help people store rainwater for flushing toilets, cleaning, or gardening," one resident commented online. "It would make use of resources that are otherwise just wasting away."

Residents have called on Knysna Municipality to provide clarity on several issues, including why the bins have not been distributed or repurposed, whether the municipality is aware of the condition of the site where the bins are stored, and whether there are plans to clean or rehabilitate the area.

Questions have also been raised about the municipality's stance on repurposing the bins for water storage and whether any safety, health or policy considerations prevent such reuse.

While residents have acknowledged the municipality's efforts to address broader service delivery challenges, they are urging local authorities to explore innovative and practical solutions to assist communities during periods of water scarcity.

At the time of publication, Knysna Municipality had not yet responded to requests for comment.

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