KNYSNA - Water levels in Knysna remain at a critical level.
The municipality’s primary water storage facility, the Akkerkloof Dam, is currently sitting at approximately 19.6 percent capacity.
This translates to an estimated 15 days of water at current consumption levels.
Knysna municipal joint operation committee Johnny Douglas says the Akerkluw Dam is an off-channel dam, meaning it's not fed by a river or a stream.
As a result, they are expected to pump water from their Charlesford pumping weir, which is located on the Knysna River.
According to Water and Sanitation, the situation in the area has been worsened by years of inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure, high non-revenue water losses and ongoing vandalism.
During an inspection at key infrastructure sites, technical assessments revealed that Knysna’s water challenges date back to at least 2023.
The department says sufficient water resources could meet the town’s needs if leaks in the municipal distribution network were reduced and per capita consumption lowered.
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However, long-standing neglect of infrastructure asset management has left the system vulnerable.
In response to the crisis A R20 million emergency fund has been set aside as part of urgent interventions to address the town’s deepening water crisis.
The funds will be used to develop groundwater resources to ease pressure on the strained water system.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Thando Madika, says the national minister has proposed that the funds be managed through an implementing agency.
“These implementing agents will oversee how the R20 million is spent, including boreholes," he says.
At the same time, donors, such as the Gift of the Givers, are relied on to assist in those areas where tankers are needed.
Madika confirmed that the province has declared that Knysna is facing a water disaster.
The next step is for national government to declare the Western Cape, including Knysna, a disaster area in terms of water challenges.