Archive photo (Photo: Freepik)
The DA in Knysna has welcomed the Western Cape government’s intervention after critical water infrastructure in the town is upgraded.
Levael Davis, DA mayoral candidate in Knysna, says the party is grateful for the “quick and constructive response” from Anton Bredell, MEC for local government, environmental affairs and development planning, after help was requested.
“His department deployed officials to oversee the procurement and installation of replacement pumps at Charlesford, and invested R2.5 million to purchase two new pumps.”
According to him, this investment will make a significant difference to Knysna’s water security.
“This intervention will play a major role in improving the town’s water resistance, and we are grateful that the Western Cape government acted with the necessary urgency.”
The latest municipal figures show that water consumption currently exceeds the available supply. According to data up to March 31, water withdrawal stood at 9,530 kilolitres, while consumption stood at 10,415 kilolitres.
Davis says the new pumps should address this problem.
“With the new pumps, a possible increase in pumping capacity of between 250 and 270 liters per second is expected, which will be sufficient to meet and even exceed the current daily demand. This will also enable the municipality to replenish the Akkerkloof Dam.”
He adds that the pumps have already been purchased and will be installed as soon as they are delivered.
Davis believes the crisis could have been avoided and places the blame on the ANC-controlled Knysna municipality.
“For three years, the municipality failed to maintain and replace outdated pumping infrastructure, and no emergency plans were in place to manage the deficit.”
According to him, opportunities to extract water during good rainfall periods were missed due to insufficient pumping capacity.
“A recent overview report confirms that 49% of water produced is lost due to unresolved problems in the system.”
He says the situation has still not been dealt with adequately.
“It took DA intervention to unleash the action that residents have long deserved.”
DA suggests alternatives
Davis says the party’s involvement is not only to welcome the current intervention, but also to show how a DA-controlled municipality would govern.
“A DA-led Knysna municipality will ensure that all pumps are properly maintained and replaced in time with units of the correct capacity.”
He adds that the party will also work with the provincial government to expedite the feasibility of additional water storage infrastructure.
“We will also require every pump station with more than one pump to have a working backup. We will not wait for a crisis to act.”
According to Davis, residents deserve a government that plans ahead and maintains infrastructure.
“The DA stands ready to be that government.”