Sun’s out, muni’s out
Knysna Municipality is reared and ready togo this festive season, wit h municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala welcoming the integrated seasonal readiness plan (ISRP).
The ISRP focuses on the delivery of a number of services, including traffic management, law enforcement, fire and rescue, parks and recreation and waste management. “The ISRP defines clear responsibilities of relevant municipal sections,” Vatala said. “Effective implementation of this plan will promote a safe environment for residents and visitors, ensuring that services are delivered throughout the busy season.”
Traffic
Temporary point-duty officers will be deployed to relieve congestion. “Special attention will be given to moving violations, speed monitoring, roadworthiness, defective lights, public transport, visibility of pedestrians at night, driver fatigue and visible policing,” said Vatala.
Law enforcement
Fifteen new officials have been appointed for the next 12 months, with another 30 appointed as seasonal officers who will help enforce municipal bylaws. They will also patrol Greater Knysna’s beaches and public recreational areas, ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe and secure summer.
Fire and Rescue
“Firefighters will be on duty and standby on a 24-hour basis at the Knysna, Sedgefield and Concordia fire stations,” Vatala said. “Municipal staff will perform standby duties in Rheenendal and at the Karatara fire station.”
Smaller vehicles will be manned by a minimum of two staff members, with a minimum of three members manning the larger vehicles. The staff complement consists of 43 professional firefighters and leave over the summer period will be managed and minimised to ensure that services run at an optimal level. "Agreements with neighbouring municipalities are in place to facilitate mutual assistance in case of large-scale events," Vatala said. Two helicopters, three spotter planes and two air tractors will also be available within the Eden District Municipality for at least a fivemonth period, starting on 1 December. The popular Greater Knysna beaches, vleie (marshes) and lagoons, as well as the Karatara swimming pool, will be under lifeguard supervision from 1 December until 15 January.
Waste management
Additional refuse collection staff will be appointed. “The CBD, recreational facilities and beaches will be cleaned on a daily basis," Vatala said. "Operational hours will be extended during this time and additional staff will be employed to assist during this period. We will appoint 60 members from our unemployed database, representing all wards.”
Maintenance will be performed at all public restroom facilities throughout the municipal area. Additional staff will monitor restrooms throughout the season and additional toilets will be sourced for recreational facilities. Clearing of illegal dumping will take place along with grass cutting.
Parks and recreation
“Service providers will cut the grass in all wards to maintain neatness,” Vatala said. “All public amenities have been attended to, with all benches having been repaired and painted. A maintenance team will inspect and repair all defects on boardwalks and play parks on a weekly basis. Dedicated officials will be on standby to clean all public facilities on a daily basis between 1 December and 15 January.”
To ensure that everyone gets the most out of their holiday, Vatala further pleaded that everyone respects the law and abide by the bylaws at all times. –