Urgent action needed as Knysna's water crisis deepens

The water crisis in Knysna has reached alarming levels, drawing stark comparisons to the infamous “Day Zero” that gripped Cape Town during its severe drought, when the prospect of municipal taps running dry became a chilling reality. As a consequence of a localised drought affecting the Garden Route, the Knysna Municipality's primary water resource, the Akkerkloof Dam, now weakens at a concerning 18% capacity, enough only to sustain the community for an estimated 15 days at current consumption rates.

This dire situation was addressed during a recent two-day visit by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, who conferred with local leadership, technical teams, and a variety of stakeholders to evaluate the water crisis and identify urgent responses. The assessments revealed that the issues contributing to the town's diminished water security extend beyond the surface and date back to at least early 2023. Flaws in infrastructure management practices, along with highlevels of non-revenue water losses due to leaks and vandalism, have exacerbated the situation. 

Majodina participated in site visits at key locations, including the Akkerkloof Dam and the Karatara River, observing the infrastructure's condition and potential for recovery. Engaging with residents and community leaders, the minister gained insights into the profound impact of the water shortages and the collective efforts required to address these challenges.

“The ongoing low levels in the Akkerkloof Dam highlight a critical need for immediate interventions,” Majodina stated, as she backed a proposal to classify Knysna as a disaster area. This declaration would enable a reprioritisation of resources and foster a cooperative response from different government layers.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Water and Sanitation has committed R20 million in emergency funding, reallocated from other water services infrastructure grants to support the municipality in addressing its water challenges. To further support its efforts, the department is providing engineering support to assess the Knysna Desalination Plant’s refurbishment requirements and has initiated feasibility studies for a new small dam to secure long-term water needs.

Notably, Majodina urged the municipality to take more proactive measures to reduce water leaks and install operational water meters. The high rate of non-revenue water losses stands as a significant hurdle that contributes to the crisis. Additionally, she advocated for the exploration of alternative water sources such as groundwater, desalination, and water reuse, while condemning the vandalism that undermines these essential services.

Dr Sean Phillips, Director-General of Water and Sanitation, stressed the importance of effective communication between the municipality and residents, particularly regarding water usage restrictions currently in place that have seen insufficient enforcement. “There is a level 4 water restriction which is a strong restriction, but they are not enforcing it enough. We need to stretch the remaining days of water; restrictions need to be reinforced,” he cautioned.

As the community grapples with lessening resources, humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has stepped in to mitigate the looming threat of Day Zero by dispatching water tankers to critical service areas in Knysna. According to spokesperson Mario Ferreira, “We’ve mobilised three 35 000-litre tankers along with additional units to support hospitals, clinics, schools, and other key public services.”

Kicking off the government's coordinated intervention, Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika welcomed Majodina's support, noting its timely essence in addressing the pressing water issues. “The Minister’s decisive actions and commitment illustrate a strong, coordinated approach across all government levels to ensure water security for the Knysna area,” Matika expressed.

With the situation continuing to evolve, the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with local and provincial authorities, has pledged to closely monitor developments and keep residents informed as they strive to stabilize Knysna’s water supply.

amahle.luke@aricannewsagency.com

Saturday Star