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Knysna's "Day Zero" Looms Amid Water Crisis
4 Feb
Summary
- Knysna declared state of disaster due to severe water shortage.
- Fifty-five percent of drinkable water lost through leaking pipes.
- Emergency funding allocated to fix infrastructure and drill boreholes.
The picturesque South African town of Knysna is facing a severe water crisis, prompting the declaration of a state of disaster amid fears of reaching "Day Zero," when taps could run dry. This situation affects the 100,000 residents along the Garden Route.
The crisis stems from years of neglected infrastructure, with an estimated 55% of drinkable water lost due to leaking pipes. Compounding this is a severe drought, which has drastically reduced water levels in the town's main storage dam.
In response, the municipality has received $1.25 million in emergency funding from the national government. Plans include repairing existing boreholes and a desalination plant, drilling new boreholes, and exploring long-term solutions like water recycling and constructing another dam.
Water restrictions are in place, including a daily limit of 50 liters per person. While some residents and businesses express concern about the economic impact and public perception, experts warn that water scarcity is a growing issue across South Africa, with many already living without reliable access.
