Knysna faces water crisis as restrictions loom

WITH Knysna’s rivers running bone-dry and dams at record lows, the municipal manager has recommended tightening the taps further by raising water restrictions all the way to level four.

- BRANDON NEL

And for families and small business owners in the area, the looming stricter restrictions bring real worry, as every drop of water counts for cooking, cleaning, and keeping holiday makers comfortable during the busy festive season that helps the town’s economy stay afloat.

The municipality, which currently has level three restrictions in place, will make the final decision at a special meeting tomorrow, Mayor Thando Matika said.

Matika said a suggestion by municipal officials to escalate the restrictions had been made, but that such a decision will only be taken at the next meeting after considering the latest data on water supply and demand.

Knysna municipal manager Dr Lulamile Mapholoba has also asked residents to drastically reduce water consumption.

“Residents are reminded that level three water restrictions are still in place,’ he said.

“I urge residents to drastically reduce consumption so that we can avoid the need to increase restrictions and punitive tariffs”

Mapholoba said it was nothing new.