Water shortage issues continue in Hornlee
- After residents of Hornlee voiced their concerns about their lack of consistent water supply for the past three weeks, Knysna Municipality acknowledged the problem and provided some insights into the causes, as well as actions being taken to address the situation.
"The municipality is fully aware of the strain that the water shortage places on the residents of Hornlee," said Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola.
"This includes not only the inconvenience of limited water access but also the potential financial, health and logistical constraints that residents have faced as a result."
According to Sebola, the primary cause of the water shortage in Hornlee is the critically low levels of the Sunridge and Noetzie reservoirs.
"These low levels have put a strain on the water supply in the area, leading to inconsistent water availability for residents," he said.
"The reservoirs serving Hornlee are interconnected in a series configuration, with each reservoir dependent on the others. Therefore, any disruptions or deficiencies in the supply from one reservoir can affect the entire system."
Main water line burst
The municipality dispatched teams to assess the causes of the problem. They walked the main routes on foot, navigating through thick vegetation near the N2.
The challenging terrain and vegetation made it difficult to identify and address the problem promptly, but they determined that it was caused by a burst in the main water reticulation line. The interconnected nature of the reservoirs further adds to the challenge of maintaining a consistent and sustainable water supply.
Addressing the problem
The municipality has assured the public that efforts are being made to address the water shortage in Hornlee. Although a specific timeline was not provided, the municipality states that it is actively working towards resolving the issue promptly.
In the meantime, residents of Hornlee remain uncertain as to when they will receive consistent water supply, and it was reported that, although provisions such as water trucks have been allocated to designated areas, many have not shown up.