STOEP CHAT
at Action Ads 15 May 2025
Water Crisis
Knysna is in the throes of a water crisis.
Many of you are experiencing it first hand. In some areas taps have run dry and in others water pressure is very low
The municipality has sent in water tankers and hopes to get the ma er resolved by the end of the weekend.
Let’s hope so. As someone who lived through Day Zero in Cape Town I can relate.
In Cape Town we were praying for rain to fill the rivers that run into several huge dams. Knysna’s situa on is different. We have no dams across rivers. Instead we have pumps and holding dams.
It works like this: water is pumped mainly from the Knysna River, and some from the Gouna River, which then goes into holding dams. Once it has been treated it is distributed to the town.
So these pumps have to work pre y much constantly to ensure enough water from the rivers goes into the holding dams for supply to meet demand.
When the pumps break down, and can’t be repaired fast enough, Knysna very quickly finds itself in a water crisis. That seems to be happening right now.
There is a big pump sta on at Charlesford on the Knysna River
You may remember that these pumps packed up last year and the municipality could not find replacements, so the residents’ group Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG) stepped in and found two in Botswana. KIG paid for them to be flown here and Knysna had a steady water supply again. Good for KIG.
But I am told these pumps have now broken down. Why?
There was also a problem with the diesel pump at the Glebe holding dam. KIG worked with the municipality all last weekend and got it working again. This helped, but has not solved the water problem.
Some residents, who had been without water for days, staged a protest on Sunday on the N2.
I asked Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba on Monday about the water supply problems.
“We have pulled together all resources to try to arrest the situa on,” he replied.
He said the two pumps at Rheenendal were due to be installed on Tuesday while the two Charlesford pumps were being worked on by engineers who hoped to have them working again by Friday.
“We hope to finish installa on by Saturday and start pumping,” Mr Mapholoba said.
He said some areas would experience “water shedding” at night (water cuts) to help boost supplies in the reservoirs overnight.
So everyone – including KIG - is working hard to get it sorted by the weekend.
But, you know, the municipality needs to take a long, hard look at Knysna’s water situa on. It cannot be so reliant on pumps that, if they malfunc on, mean the town goes into crisis.
It needs a realis c water plan.
And you know what? I was shocked to see in the municipality’s dra Knysna Spa al Development Framework (SDF) that secure water provision was not even listed as one of Knysna’s “key issues”.
Something’s not right.
The public has un l 20th May to comment on the dra SDF, so go online and have your say – especially about water.
YOU RING - WE BRING!
OPEN: 8am - 5pm, MONDAY - FRIDAY 8am - 1pm, SATURDAY
For relling and collection of gas, please feel free to visit 27 Rawson Street, Knysna (Behind Checkers undercover parking). We now also stock rewood.
MERCEDES BENZ AND GERMAN car s p e c i a l i s t . D i a g n o s i s a n d programming of all cars and trucks. CallGodwin0833144079
For gas deliveries
For gas deliveries
9kg, 12kg, 14kg, 19kg & 48kg
9kg, 12kg, 14kg, 19kg & 48kg
Phone 044 492 0460
Phone 044 250 0030 / 062 461 0575
Monday - Friday • 8h00 - 17h00
Saturday 8h00
GLASS JARS THAT SEAL NEEDED. Pleasecall,I'llcollect0767650098
PELLET BURNING FIRE PLACE.
I have eco pellets, 10kg – R60. Free delivery on 10 bags + Knysna area. PhSteve0827743404
SILVERWARE GATHERING DUST?
Sell it at Goldex, Knysna Mall – West End, near Spar. Tel: 082 7888 700 or 0443820417
KNYSNAGLOBALSCRAPMETAL–28 Waenhout Street, Knysna Industrial, Tel no: 044 382 1551 or 071 659 8943. We collect locally – we pay cash.
KIKUYU ROLL ON LAWN available for delivery to Plett, Knysna, Sedgefield,Wilderness& George.Ph David0825722777
A Landscape Design Company specializing in garden design and implementation followed by high-class seasonal garden care second to none.
OUTDOOR SPACES Margi O'Connor 072 330 2593
LANDSCAPERS … Contact us today for delivery of topsoil or bark. CX Tippers&Diggers,ph0443821645
MINI STORAGE CONTAINERS: New secure and dry mini containers (Pods), housed within a warehouse. 1 5m x 2m x 2 1m Call Knysna Storage Park at 044 382 3807 or 083 2250889
OUTDOOR SPACES
We are excited to include VERTICAL GREEN WALLS in our greening activities. These VERTICAL WALLS are self-sustaining, irrigated, living, green, organic, and will enhance the atmosphere in any house, shop, room, office, and hotel.
Call Jeremy at 079 907 1521 or Margi at 072 330 2593 for a free quotation and explanation.
Looking to earn extra income? If you have rental properties available, contact us today to list with Seeff Knysna and secure reliable tenants! 044 382 5919
Hospitality and Home offers it all. Contact Warren for all your Hospitality Linen and Towel Orders. warren@hospitalityandhome.co.za. Current Specials on all Fine Fibre Duvet Inners, Less 15 % (All sizes available) Contact Warren –Hospitality and Home 083 233 4265
PLEASENOTE!Opinionsexpressedin this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the owners or publishers. Sky Printers t/a Action AdsKnysna
Damp
ROLL ON LAWN, KIKUYU available for delivery to Plett, Knysna, Sedgefield,Wilderness& George.Ph David0825722777
BALAU DECKING, Garapa Decking, Pine Pickets: Fechters Sawmill 044 3821222
RICH FARM COMPOST (pH 8) 2 yrs. Matured 30% poultry manure. Great results / we deliver Call / Whatsapp0824240055
EDEN TRAVEL CLINIC: for all your vaccinations and travel meds, including Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, Malaria and many more. Contact Annamarieon0825575255 VISITUS@www.actionads.co.za
WOODEN FURNITURE renovations. 0745437119
ACTION ADS is printed & published by Sky Printers T/A Action Ads CK87/002583/23&isregisteredasa newspaper.CertNo.9275
AFFORDABLE DIAMONDS available at Goldex, Knysna Mall – West End (near Spar). Good range from which to choose. Contact Glen on 082 7888 700or0443820417
AA ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS meeting every Thursday at 19:00 at Lions Club, Trotter Street, for help contact Dee 082 447 3697, Charline 0828550507
ORGANICCASTOROIL:Wehavecold pressed, hexane free in a glass bottle, Organic Castor Oil & packs @ Knysna Health. Broadwalk Centre, 52 Waterfront Drive. 044 492 0522/3
KNYSNA HEALTH: Shop online from t
a Broadwalk Centre, 52 Waterfront Drive.0444920522/3
VISITUS@www.actionads.co.za
Dr. Grant Trollip
UROLOGIST
Bsc MB ChB (Stell) FC Urol (SA) Suite 6, Hunters Estate Medical Centre, Marlin Drive, Knysna, 6571
STEVEN 063 890 1046 comes highly recommended as a painter He is extremely tidy and careful & does an excellent job. He has worked for me for 20 years. For references ph Anne 0824166020
Rooms: 044384 1717 Fax: 044 384 0851 E-Mail: granttrollipknysna@gmail.com Roald Cloete 082 925 1504 E-mail: rscloete@mweb.co.za
FOR A FORMAL PROPERTY valuation contact McAdam & Smith Property Valuators (MRICS SACPVP). 082 893 8675 | 076 137 2696 http://www.mcadamsmith.co.za
KNYSNA METHODIST CHURCH is searching for volunteer pianists to play at their Sunday 10am service. If you are available. Please call / whatsappJen0769050964
READ ACTION ADS ON THE Internet every week Go to: www action ads.co.za
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Yellowwood Group. Meeting every Monday 6pm, Presbyterian Church, 1 4 C l y d e S t , K n y s n a . F o r enquiries/help, please contact 066 0652337
PINE FLOORING and Ceiling: FechtersSawmill0443821222
R350 for test and one specs. By appointment only. Whatsapp 064 290 6940 o/h EYESIGHT LlONS EYE CLINIC Check your gas heater at Knysna Gas before winter arrives. New heaters now in stock. 14 Church Street, Knysna 044 382 7919 / 2571 sales@knysnagas.co.za www.knysnagas.co.za
GOOD DRY FIREWOOD FOR ANY purpose. We deliver & pack. Ph 076 7650098
• Decking
• Ceiling
• Flooring
• Wall Systems
• Half Log Cladding
• Balustrading
• Staircases
• Handrails
• Laminated Posts
• CNC Service
timbaclad@telkomsa.net www.timbaclad.co.za
Francois +27 (0)82 411 0513
KNYSNA HEA
Sanet +27 (0)82 829 4775
LTH: We stock Wildsprout healthy & clean, precooked, frozen meals, soups, breads & pestos + Granola's, Biscotti's & Cookies! Broadwalk Centre, 52 WaterfrontDrive.0444920522/3
FLOORING, CEILING, SHELVING, Halflog and DIY timber direct from sawmill. Geelhoutvlei Timbers: 044 356 2644 or Velma on 073 454 3915 or email sales@geelhoutvlei.co.za / www.geelhoutvlei.co.za
NICK OCKER
MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS Call 082 775 1659
• Make up and repairs to all your jewellery.
• Repairs to your spectacle frames.
MAIDS! MAIDS! MAIDS! Monica can supply you with a “maid-for-aday” Call0825703040
JACK NEEDS GARDEN JOB. Ph 065 5174340
TOMTHETILERforyourtilingneeds. 0745437119
PINE PICKETS and Decking: Fechters Sawmill0443821222
KNYSNA HEALTH: We stock a large range of Homeopathic remedies, vitamin and mineral supplements for your health & wellbeing Broadwalk Centre, 52 Waterfront Drive.0444920522/3
ServiceMajor/Minor
Brakes
Clutches
Shocks
CVJoint’s
TEL: 044 382 1155
Email: autoboss.knysna@gmail.com
PLANT HIRE SERVICES – Bulk quoting, site clearing, excavations, compactions, dam building and construction. CX Tippers & Diggers. Ph0443821645
VISIT:www.actionads.co.za
UV resistant rubber coating in a variety of colours Approved applicator - all surfaces. Peter 083 266 7016 www.ecorubber.co.za
S WAG G E R C O M E S H I G H LY recommended as a gardener He cared for my garden for 3 months while his uncle was on leave in Malawi and his work is excellent. For referencephMiki0825587398
at wholesale prices at Goldex, Knysna Mall near Spar
available. Tel: 044 382 0417 or 082 7888700
& without side effects @ Knysna Health, Broadwalk Centre, 52 Waterfront Drive 044 4920522/3
GARAPA DECKING, Pine Decking, Pine Pickets: Fechters Sawmill 044 3821222 DECKING, P
, Shelving and Fencing Timber direct from sawmill - Geelhoutvlei Timbers: 044 356 2644 or Velma on
KNYSNAREDCROSS has moved! We are now around the corner from the Laundromat in Green Street. Visit us for great bargains every day. Dona
. Collectionscanbearranged.Call072 4517899/0443821244 HISTORICHOMEFORSALE.Knysna+ garden&stunningview.Uppertown @ R 3 , 0 0 0 , 0
. 2 properties) John & Carina 079 127 2977RE/MAX VISIT:www.actionads.co.za
WANT A BETTER WAY TO REPAIR LEAKING & CORRODED WATER PIPES? Non-invasive, with no digging and chopping. minimal downtime. No replacing of expensive tiles and sanitaryware. 10-year warranty with a 50-year life expectancy
WANT A BETTER WAY TO RELINE TANKS? Why choose epoxy lining? Are you looking for a cost-effective solution to prolong the life of your water tanks and avoid the hefty expense of replacement? Our Water Tank Epoxy Lining service is the perfect answer. 10-Year Warranty
• Domestic & Commercial Pipe Relining:
• Pressure pipe relining
• Waste pipe relining
• Swimming pool pipe relining
• Full-bore relining
• Sewerage pipe relining
• Tank Relining:
• Asbestos Tanks
• Concrete Trucks
• Fiberglass
• Quick Pipe Repair Systems
• Pump Systems.
• Specialized Coatings, Marine, Domestic and Industrial
• Belting Systems
• Silos
• Crushers
AFTER RELINING YOUR PIPES / TANKS, YOU WILL HAVE A BRAND-NEW PIPE/ TANK WITH YOUR ORIGINAL DETERIORATER HOST PIPE / TANK. Pipe and Tank relining makes sense. The technology is tested, proven and safe.
PD AUTO – VW POLO TSi NEED a timing belt done? Ph us 084 511 9390/0817076634
LASER ENGRAVING. Action Ads. 044 3823222/laser@actionads.co.za
KNYSNA HEALTH: We stock a DEETfree Mosquito repellent range for all ages & Reef-friendly Sunscreen products! Broadwalk Centre, 52 Waterfront Drive 044 492 0522/3
PCL AUTO SERVICES – Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Renault, Subaru, Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Toyota, Hyundai!Younameit,wecanhandle it! Contact Peter or Anthony on 044 3826409
PRINTING. Action Ads 044 382 3222 /printing@actionads.co.za
PD AUTO – WE HAVE THE LATEST in diagnostics equipment by Autel. Ph 0817076634/0845119390
PCL AUTO SERVICES – We are accreditedagentsformostwarranty and service plans. We can handle your servicing and also your claims. ContactPeterorAnthonyon044382 6409
WATERTANKS!Ifyoudon'thaveone for emergency water supply Now is the time! Call Bruce Botha plumber 072 235 6776 for a free quotation in Knysna.
VISIT:www.actionads.co.za
(Blackwood) long base bakkie, R850 a bakkie full load, we also pack it neatlyatyourhouse.CallTrymoreat 0846413307
KIKUYU ROLL ON LAWN available for delivery to Plett, Knysna, Sedgefield,Wilderness& George.Ph David0825722777 N E E D A P P L I
Metelerkamps offers top-tier kitchen appliances from Smeg, Miele, Gaggenau, and more. Find us at3UnionStreetinKnysna
PERSPEX, WOOD OR RUBBER stamps made to order – Any size. laser@actionads.co.za or 044 382 3222.Jo
