News24 | Knysna water crisis: Western Cape govt steps in to keep taps running over festive season

The Akkerkloof catchment dam in Knsyna on 21 February 2024.

• The Western Cape government will co-chair a Joint Operations Committee with the Knysna Municipality to tackle the town’s water crisis.
• Immediate interventions include installing a new pump at Akkerkloof Dam, deploying five plumbing teams to fix leaks, and repairing the water purification plant.
• Knysna is under Level 4 water restrictions after the municipality issued an urgent appeal last month when the main dam dropped below 30% capacity.

The Western Cape government has stepped in to avert a full-blown water disaster in Knysna.

Last month, Knysna Municipality issued an urgent appeal for drastic water-saving measures after the town’s main dam dropped below 30% capacity.

Mayor Thando Matika warned that the town’s water sources were severely under pressure.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell confirmed in a statement that the provincial government would co-chair a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) together with Knysna Municipality to support the town through the December holiday period and address urgent water security challenges.

“The mayor, together with his mayoral committee members, agreed that Knysna is facing a water crisis during the immediate holiday season and that all stakeholders must work together to stabilise and fix the town’s water supply challenges,” he added.

READ | No province-wide water restrictions now – but Western Cape told to brace for dry summer

According to Bredell’s office, the JOC will include representatives from Knysna Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality, the provincial Department of Local Government, and the national Department of Water and Sanitation.

The coordinated structure would ensure that the focus remains firmly on the water crisis and that decisions are taken swiftly, with progress monitored in real time, the MEC added.

Bredell emphasised that the JOC’s priority would be to address the immediate water supply risks affecting the town.

He said:

The immediate interventions to be implemented include the purchase of a new pump to be installed at the Akkerkloof Dam, which is currently at approximately 27% capacity; the appointment of five plumbing teams to fast-track the repair of leaks across the water distribution network; and repairs to a leak at the water purification plant, which is expected to save at least one megalitre of water per day.

READ | No water again for informal settlements as Joburg Water fails to pay contractors

Existing boreholes with damaged pumps to supplement Knysna’s water supply are also going to be refurbished.

“Knysna is currently implementing Level 4 water restrictions, and we urge all residents and visitors to strictly adhere to these measures. If everyone plays their part, there will be enough water for all during this peak period,” Bredell said.