Knysna Municipality to increase Waste Water Treatment Facilities and Cemetery

The existing Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) and Cemetery located adjacent to Vigilance Drive in Knysna has nearly reached its full capacity and Knysna Municipal Manager Dr Sitembele Vatala said planning has started for additional capacity.

“Four Knysna Municipal erven 1551 to 1554 – in the Windheuwel area was earmarked for the development and Council approved the project earlier, subject to a feasibility study which must include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Geo Technical Investigation, Water use licenses and other applicable requirements. “

The Windheuwel area is north of the Concordia / Witlokasie townships and Vatala said that it is envisaged the sewerage flow from these northern townships will be treated at the new plant, a total of approximately 3600 erven.

“Preliminary investigations have been undertaken and a master plan of the sites has been compiled for both projects. We have appointed Uhambiso Consult on the WWTW project and Aurecon for the cemetery.  Sharples Environmental Services was appointed as the Environmental Practitioner for both projects and a preliminary meeting was held with the Department of Environmental Affairs in Pretoria, Provincial Government in George, SANParks and Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA).”

The sites are currently occupied and proceedings have started to inform the current occupants of the Municipality’s intention to develop the sites, and negotiate the evacuation process.  “Once this is in place, and a required second phase feasibility study is completed, it will be submitted to Council for final approval. This feasibility study will include a Heritage study, a botanical assessment, a surface water study and a visual impact study.”