KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna wastewater treatment works had been non-operational for over a year.
In December 2023, the Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG)/Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC), with assistance from Regional Wastewater (RWW) in Port Elizabeth, engaged with the Knysna municipality (KM) to offer support in restoring the works.
Support plan
A support plan was submitted to both the KM and the Provincial Government in response to the Section 154 recovery plan. In March 2024, RWW engineers spent a week at the facility assessing its condition, producing a detailed report with photos outlining the required work. Basic repairs to restart the facility were estimated to cost R400 000.
Sludge plant
At the time, neither the screens nor the sludge plant was operational, resulting in contaminated effluent being treated with high levels of chlorine to minimise the impact on the estuary.
The initial goal was to have the plant operational by June using these funds.
The KM provided funding to replace the faulty sludge plant drives, but the Provincial Government funds did not materialise.
Own expense
Despite this, RWW installed the drives at their own expense and successfully brought the sludge plant online.
The full project cost, including further repairs, was submitted to the KM and the Provincial Government as part of the Section 154 recovery plan.
The estimated cost was R3.3 million, with funding expected via a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) application.
BEFORE: Machines are out of order, and solid waste piles up.
Unfortunately, this did not come through, and by September, the facility was still out of service.
The KIG/GKBC and RWW took the initiative to recommission the facility. After over four weeks of negotiations with the KM and the Provincial Government, it was found that no funding would be provided.
Committed to project
With RWW's engineering team committed to the project, they agreed to send 10 engineers to Knysna for a week at a nominal cost of R300 000.
Thanks to the generous support of residents, the necessary funds to complete the project were raised.
This would not have been possible without the major contribution by Duran de Villiers, and his companies ALTI and AER Aviate. "The community stands indebted to Duran and his staff," the KIG/GKBC said.
Work completed
"The good news however is that the work was completed successfully, with R1.5 million worth of repairs done in one week for just R300 000.
"During the work, additional issues were identified, including the need for more engineering repairs, replacement of electronic drives, and supply of chemicals for the sludge plant. "RWW again stepped in, supplying 1 000 litres of chemicals valued at R75 000, at half the cost.
Ongoing maintenance
"Through this experience, the KIG/GKBC and RWW have realised that ongoing maintenance of the facility is essential for sustainability.
"An agreement has been reached to fund a full-time engineer from October to December 2024 to support the KM in hiring and training permanent staff.
"However, it appears the KM will not have the necessary resources by December, and the KIG/GKBC funding is running out. We are exploring alternative options to continue support, as failure to do so could result in the plant's dysfunction.
Special thanks
"The KIG/GKBC would like to specially thank Bertie van Staden, Daniel Voges and the Regional Wastewater engineering team for their selfless commitment and support.
"The 18 December marked one year since the commencement of this programme, and not once did they waiver in their support and commitment to the Knysna residents."
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