Knysna faces looming water crisis as tourist season approaches

As the idyllic coastal town of Knysna gears up for its bustling tourist season, a brewing crisis threatens to overshadow its reputation as a premier destination. Residents and local businesses are grappling with unreliable water supply, alarming sewage spills, malfunctioning pump stations, ineffective waste collection, and a growing list of environmental hazards. The situation calls for immediate attention as the community braces for the influx of visitors this summer.

The DA, is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the current coalition government, a coalition comprising the ANC, PA, KIM, PBI, and EFF, accusing it of mismanagement and infighting while essential services crumble. “The people of Knysna are suffering while this coalition fails to address the systemic issues at hand,” a DA statement said.

Among the most staggering statistics, it is reported that over 50% of Knysna's water is lost to leaks and fraud, with prepaid meters reportedly bypassed, leading to waste that costs the municipality over R11 million annually due to broken meters and insufficient revenue-tracking systems. This soaring loss of valuable water resources compounds the mounting crisis affecting a town that relies heavily on tourism, particularly in the picturesque summer months.

Demands for accountability from the coalition have only intensified following a recent oversight visit by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Select Committee, which confirmed the significant deterioration of the town’s water and sanitation infrastructure. Furthermore, it highlighted the ongoing contamination of the Knysna Estuary, a critical environmental asset that supports both the local economy and tourism.

Adding to the urgency, the Western Cape Provincial Executive attempted to dissolve the dysfunctional council under Section 139(1)(c), yet their efforts were thwarted when the ANC in the NCOP blocked the intervention. As this political stalemate continues, many residents speculate on the future of essential public services in Knysna.

The DA-led Garden Route District Municipality has voiced readiness to assist in rectifying the situation, urging residents not to be pawns in what can only be described as a political quagmire. “Tourism season should promise prosperity, yet the current leadership threatens to turn it into a season of panic,” stated the statement.

As the countdown to summer begins, many are left wondering what tangible steps, if any, will be taken to resolve the ongoing crisis. The DA remains unwavering in its commitment to fight for competent governance, constitutional accountability, and the urgent restoration of essential services in Knysna. Meanwhile, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution before the town's charm is eclipsed by a crisis of mismanagement.