Knysna faces potential “Day Zero” amid water crisis

Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell has announced plans to approach the provincial cabinet to motivate for a provincial disaster classification, citing the ongoing drought in the Southern Cape and the surge in wildfires experienced across the province in recent weeks.

According to Bredell, a disaster declaration from the National Disaster Management Centre would enable the province to respond more effectively.

“A disaster declaration from the National Disaster Management Centre will allow us to focus across line functions and also to move funding quickly between programmes if and when needed,” said Minister Bredell

The announcement followed a briefing by the Knysna Joint Operations Committee (JOC) on Tuesday.

According to Bredell, the situation in Knysna remains critical, with the town’s main water source, the Akkerkloof Dam, currently at just 15% capacity. Without rainfall or alternative water sources, Knysna now has a water buffer of only 10 days, down from 13 days a week ago.

The committee is reportedly prioritising short-term interventions to bolster the water supply. These include the development of several natural springs with good-quality water, the refurbishment of seven existing boreholes requiring cleaning and new pumps, finalising an agreement to utilise 10 boreholes on private land, and securing access to a borehole located at a local mosque.

Bredell stressed that immediate action is required from all stakeholders to prevent a potential “Day Zero” scenario.

“At this stage, Knysna consumes more water, 12 ML per day, than it can supply. We need to get consumption down to 50 litres per person per day, and together with the efforts to develop additional sources, we will get through this difficult time.”

Turning to wildfires, Bredell said the current fire season has been exceptionally demanding, with more hot and dry conditions expected into April and May.

The province’s R17 million aerial firefighting budget has been depleted, prompting internal financial adjustments to keep its fleet of 21 aircraft operational.

More than 100,000 hectares of land have already burned, with recent fires in the Overstrand and Cape Winelands regions involving over 500 firefighters working to protect communities, infrastructure and biodiversity.