Despite some welcome rainfall recorded on Thursday, the amount received has been insufficient to ease drought conditions, prompting the Knysna Municipality to formally declare the greater Knysna municipal area a local disaster area.
The declaration was made in terms of the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002, following continued pressure on water resources across the municipality.
Council Approves Disaster Declaration
Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika confirmed that the decision was approved during a special council meeting held on Friday, 16 January.
“This decision allows for urgent provincial and national interventions,” Matika said.
“It also empowers the Mayor to authorise unforeseen and unavoidable expenditure in emergency circumstances where no provision exists in the approved budget.”
The declaration enables the municipality to fast-track emergency measures and mobilise additional support to address the ongoing water crisis.
Disaster Management Structures Activated
Matika said the water emergency will be managed in line with the Knysna Municipality Disaster Management Plan.
The Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre, in consultation with the Knysna Local Disaster Management Unit, will coordinate short- and medium-term interventions aimed at stabilising the situation and mitigating further impacts.
In addition, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will be requested to conduct an urgent assessment of the drought’s impact on agricultural areas within the municipal boundaries.
Ongoing Monitoring
Municipal authorities have indicated that water levels and weather conditions will continue to be closely monitored, with further updates to be provided as interventions are rolled out.
Residents are urged to continue adhering to water-saving measures as the municipality works to manage the crisis.
