KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna and surrounds are raring and ready to welcome an influx of visitors this festive season.
According to Acting Municipal Manager Roland Butler, Knysna Municipality is ready to ensure that locals and holidaymakers will enjoy uninterrupted services.
In a municipal press release issued recently, Butler indicated that the municipality is however not content with simply "delivering services" over the next one-and-a-half months.
"Our Integrated Seasonal Readiness Plan, or ISRP, promotes a safe environment for residents and visitors. The plan will be in place until 31 January and defines clear responsibilities of relevant municipal sections for this period," he explained.
Traffic issues
December/January is often coupled with poor traffic flow in Knysna, and with load shedding affecting traffic lights too, things could get real slow on Knysna's roads. However, Butler says the municipality has plans in place for this issue.
"Twenty temporary point duty officers will be deployed to relieve traffic congestion and zero tolerance will be shown to traffic offenders.
"An additional 20 temporary officers will assist our law enforcement officers in their regular duties. These officers will also patrol our public recreational areas, ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe and secure summer."
Refuse removal and cemeteries
The refuse removal schedule will remain the same throughout the festive season. You can find the schedule on the municipality's website under the "Live here" menu category and then the "Utility Services" sub-category.
Residents and visitors are implored to continue to make use of the colour-coded rubbish bag system - transparent bags are for clean and dry recyclable materials; blue bags are for garden waste only and up to two bags will be collected every week; and black bags are for other "wet" waste.
"Our cemeteries will remain open for all visits, but will close at 12:00 during the week between Christmas and the New Year," Butler confirmed.
"The gate in Vigilance Drive must be used for grave visits and unveilings during funerals on Saturdays and the smaller gate in Vigilance Drive and the gate in Marlin Drive will be open for grave visits and unveilings after funerals." Cemeteries will however be closed on 16, 25 and 26 December.
Public safety
Once more, setting off fireworks will not be permitted within the Knysna municipal boundary.
"Our by-laws have been written with your comfort and safety in mind, and to protect our beautiful area. We have adopted a zero tolerance approach to any transgressions of our by-laws, with a particular focus on the Road and Traffic By-law, Public Amenities By-law and the By-law for the Prevention of Public Nuisances. Any transgressors may face fines of up to R1 000, or imprisonment," Butler warned.
The municipality has also appointed lifeguards to be on duty at Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea from 1 December to 31 January. There will also be lifeguards at other beaches between 15 December and 15 January.
"We are in the process of finalising the repairs and maintenance to all braai and recreational facilities and a maintenance team will inspect and repair all defects on our boardwalks and play parks on a weekly basis."
Water situation
Due to abnormally low rain levels in recent months, level three water restrictions currently apply in Knysna. "We ask all residents and visitors to use water sparingly and to adhere to the necessary restrictions."
No watering of gardens or washing of vehicles and/or boats, even using a bucket, is allowed under these restrictions and businesses and households are to restrict municipal water usage to 20kl per month.
"Rather cool off in our beautiful rivers, lakes, estuaries or the ocean," Butler suggested.
"There are so many things to see, do and experience in the greater Knysna area this summer season. Get active on land and on or in the water, satisfy your foodie cravings and discover new delights, discover our local culture and art, shop 'til you drop - or just relax. Welcome to our paradise."
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