KNYSNA NEWS - A mere six weeks ago, Knysna's dams held barely enough water for 10 days. Now, with just under R36m committed to emergency augmentation projects, the municipality says it is shifting its focus from crisis management to structural intervention to prevent system collapse.
The latest joint operations centre update confirms a decisive move away from short-term stopgaps towards strengthening the town's bulk water backbone.
At the centre of the intervention is the Emergency Groundwater Supply Project, including the Knysna Borehole Refurbishment Programme (Tender T27/2025/26), valued at R4,5m and handed over on 17 February.
Complementary civil works and connection infrastructure - currently in procurement - will integrate additional groundwater sources into the municipal reticulation network.
Mayor Thando Matika said the focus is no longer on isolated breakdowns but on system reliability.
"We are strengthening the backbone of our bulk water system. Groundwater has become a strategic resource for Knysna and we are ensuring that boreholes are not only drilled and refurbished, but fully connected and operational," he said.
Pump stations critical
A series of pump station refurbishments form a cornerstone of the stabilisation effort. Upgrades are under way or planned at the Akkerkloof Dam, Gouna, Charlesford, Eastford and Glebe pump stations to secure abstraction and distribution capacity.
"Pump stations are the arteries of our water network. If they fail, the entire system suffers," Matika said.
Beyond the immediate works, an emergency pumping scheme between the balancing dam and Akkerkloof Dam has been proposed. In addition, a borehole drilling and equipping programme across Sedgefield, Buffalo Bay and Knysna, funded by a Water Services Infrastructure Grant, aims to expand raw water inputs.
Together, these short-term interventions total R35,85m.
Medium-term expansion
Looking further ahead, medium-term capital projects linked to the PG Bison borehole system could amount to tens of millions over the next 18 months, subject to approval of business plans.
These include linking the system to the Charlesford-Eastford pipeline and connecting it to the Ruigtevlei water treatment works.
"This is about long-term resilience. These are not temporary fixes, they are strategic investments in Knysna's future water security," Matika said.
Urgent refurbishment of the Knysna reverse osmosis plant is also on the agenda, alongside feedwater system upgrades to address maintenance backlogs.
Provincial intervention
Provincial government has now formally stepped in. Following a meeting between Matika and Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell on 25 February, it was resolved that the Western Cape Department of Local Government, together with national government, will lead a Section 154 support plan for the municipality.
Senior engineers will be seconded to Knysna for six months to assist in addressing the water and sanitation crisis, including infrastructure repairs and water conservation.
An integrated technical steering committee - comprising national and provincial departments as well as the South African Local Government Association - will guide implementation.
Weekly written progress reports will be submitted to the provincial minister and council. A root cause analysis of the crisis will also be conducted, followed by consequence management where required.
"We need less talk and more action. Plans and budgets alone will not secure water. Delivery and adherence to timelines are now critical," Matika said.
High stakes
The scale of the intervention represents one of the most substantial reinforcements of Knysna's bulk water infrastructure in recent years.
For residents and businesses, the implications are profound. Water security underpins public health, tourism, property values and local economic stability. After coming within days of running dry, Knysna's recovery will now hinge not on announcements, but on execution.
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