KNYSNA NEWS - Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo says inadequate maintenance, ageing infrastructure and vandalism have led to alarming levels of pollution in the Knysna Estuary and in rivers.

He was speaking at the official launch of the Knysna Water and Sanitation Forum at the municipal offices on Thursday 10 April.

"In March 2024, our Section 154 Task Team conducted inspections and engaged with the community in Hornlee," Seitlholo said.

"During these sessions, critical issues related to administration, wastewater infrastructure, and drinking water infrastructure were identified.

'Voiced frustrations'

"Community members voiced their frustrations regarding the transient nature of government support and the ineffective communication mechanisms between the municipality and the community.

"This has resulted in ongoing challenges such as sewage spillages, water outages, and the alarming issue of homes constructed on wetlands."

Seitlholo said since then, the status of the town's drinking water and wastewater systems had not improved, but had deteriorated in certain areas due to necessary actions not being carried out.

He said that during a visit to Knysna in January this year, he had witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of water pollution.

He had told municipal leaders there was an urgent need to address the root causes of problems affecting water supply and sanitation, particularly vandalism.

Vital step
"And as a result, the municipality of Knysna has been tasked with creating programmes that not only address these concerns but also work to shift community mindsets regarding the implications of their actions."

Seitlholo said the establishment of the Knysna Water and Sanitation Forum is a vital step in this process.

"The forum will serve as a critical interface to improve communication between the municipality and our community, ensuring that all matters and challenges requiring attention from various departments are addressed and forwarded for action."Ludwe Qoshe (left) the deputy chairperson of the Knysna Water and Sanitation Forum, and Rodney Nay, the chairperson.

He told those present, who included the mayor, deputy mayor, municipal manager, councillors and representatives of the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency, SANParks, the Garden Route District Municipality and CapeNature, that "infrastructure will not be fixed by politicking, it will be fixed by managers and directors who are fit for purpose and are able to undertake the work".

Seitlholo said the forum would enable effective dialogue and collaboration among government officials, community representatives, NGOs, and the private sector actors.

The objectives of the forum are to:

• Ensure direct interaction between government entities and communities, leading to agreed resolutions on pressing issues
• Enhance communication and feedback regarding water and sanitation matters
• Mitigate the rising number of service delivery protests, "primarily rooted in a lack of communication"
• Promote a two-way flow of information about water provision and sanitation services, ensuring transparency and engagement
• Foster an environment conducive to stakeholder participation and empowerment in water and sanitation governance
• Encourage active advocacy and participation from local community members in water-related issues

Regarding Section 154 directives issued to Knysna Municipality concerning wastewater management, Knysna mayor Thando Matika said councillors were committed to finding solutions to the related problems besetting the town.

'Work together closely'
"We would like to be given space ... so that we will be able to address these matters, without facing criminal charges," Matika said.

Rodney Nay is the chairperson of Knysna Water and Sanitation Forum, and Ludwe Qoshe the deputy chairperson.

Qoshe, who works for the Asivikelane (Let's Protect Each Other) Campaign in Knysna, said he would work closely with Sedgefield resident Nay, a retired civil engineer with extensive experience in public service, to make the forum a success.

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