WC Government asks for close cooperation in addressing Knysna challenges

Joint Media Release: Western Cape Government asks for close cooperation between all spheres of government in addressing Knysna challenges

Following various engagements with the Knysna municipality, Premier Alan Winde has been informed that the municipality has, after multiple attempts, scheduled to meet on Friday, 1 March to consider the recent Diagnostic Assessment of the municipality that was conducted by the Western Cape Department of Local Government, as well as a Support Plan that was developed by the Western Cape Government (WCG) in terms of section 154 of the Constitution. This is an important step in the municipality recovering and dealing with severe service delivery failures, “the municipality has to take responsibility for resolving the issues, we will support them, but the onus is on their shoulders. It is going to be a lengthy process and has to happen within the confines of the legislation,” said Premier Winde. 

“If the municipality does not adopt this recovery plan, the WCG will consider initiating an intervention in the municipality under section 139 of the Constitution, but our fervent hope is that the municipality works with us. I am particularly concerned about the potential disaster that is developing around safe drinking water, sewage and refuse management,” said Premier Winde.

In order to ensure government alignment, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has written to Ms Thembi Nkadimeng, the National Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, ensuring closer cooperation between the three spheres of government in addressing the challenges facing Knysna.

Minister Bredell said he was informed yesterday of a planned visit of a national government delegation to Knysna and was concerned that parallel processes could be to the detriment of finding a lasting resolution to the collapse of service delivery in Knysna.

Minister Bredell said a Diagnostic Assessment and Section 154 Support Plan have already been developed and workshopped with the National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as officials of the municipality. “All we need is for the Council to adopt and approve these documents for a comprehensive support plan to be initiated,” Minister Bredell said.

“For this mess to be resolved efficiently we must all be on the same page working in the interests of the residents of the municipality,” stressed Premier Alan Winde.

The Section 154 Support Plan was developed to ensure a provincially coordinated approach to the support initiatives offered to the municipality. “I have been advised that national government intends providing direct support to the municipality in order to address the issues identified and the executive obligation failures of the municipality. While assistance of any nature is genuinely appreciated and welcomed, I have to insist that such assistance be slotted into the existing support plan, so as to avoid duplication and prevent confusion regarding priorities in improving service delivery and governance at the municipality,” Minister Bredell said.

The Premier reiterated his concerns about the dire state of the town, “this situation has been allowed to worsen and collaboration is needed to fix Knysna. Knysna residents, like all residents of the Western Cape deserve the best possible services!”