GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The erosion control measures implemented in the Knysna area after the June fires are proving to be effective.
This good news was relayed in a report released on 20 August by Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC, on the progress made with the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRRI). Between 27mm and 38mm of rain fell in Knysna on Wednesday
16 August, but thanks to the pro-active measures, slippage problems were minimal. The blankets and logs placed above Brenton on Lake and Belvidere Heights prevented the most vulnerable sites from sliding.
The report is based on regular meetings held with working groups to keep track of work being carried out.
Key developments:
Relief for Farmers
Farmers affected by the Knysna Fires can contact the coordinators at the three distribution centres to collect fodder:
Karatara: Peter Reed 083 267 4331
Knysna: Kobus Erasmus 082 855 2553
Plettenberg Bay: Fred 081 270 9553
Fodder relief is only for farms affected by the fire and not drought. Any queries related to agriculture should be referred to the Farmer Support and Development office in Knysna by contacting Phumla Mkhatshwa or Mandy Crozett on 044 382 3583.
Erosion control
Erosion control is being done to rehabilitate high-risk hotspots. To date over 50 projects have been rolled out to move dead bush into stack lines and to install bio-sausages and bio-blankets to retain top soil layers. High-risk areas include Brenton-on-Sea, Brenton-on-Lake, Belvidere, Phantom Pass and Knysna Heights.
Through this initiative, temporary employment opportunities are being created for residents of the area. A total of 147 people applied for the 45 erosion control worker positions. Funding for salaries will be sourced from the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Asbestos disposal
Property owners of damaged properties that contain asbestos MUST ensure that an accredited asbestos-removal company disposes of the asbestos waste. Any asbestos-related enquiry should be directed to grr.asbestos@aircheck-aia.co.za.
Final disaster survey
The National Disaster Management Centre confirmed that they would visit Knysna and Bitou on 30 August to assess the damage identified by the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre and municipalities.
FAQ
Knysna and Bitou Municipalities and the provincial Department of Social Development have devised a frequently asked questions list covering building planning and demolition processes and social services available to those affected. These can be found at www.gardenrouterebuild.co.za/faqs.
Employment
The Community Work Programme (CWP) has been making a signficant contribution to Knysna recovery efforts. The CWP is a national government programme, hosted in the Department of Cooperative Governance, which provides work for two days a week. In partnership with the municipality and other stakeholders, such as Sassa and non governmental organisations (NGOs), they identify projects.
During the disaster, CWP participants worked at various locations to sort donations for fire victims and to follow up on families affected by the disaster through the call centre.
Participants in Ward 3 assisted the municipality in breaking down burnt timber houses, Ward 4 participants painted and rebuilt houses and a church damaged in the fire, and Ward 7 CWP workers cleaned up the town hall after it was no longer needed.
There are 478 registered workers on the programme, and this week an additional 117 people will be starting to work. This initiative provides temporary employment for people who lost their jobs owing to the fire, and it offers much-needed assistance with a wide variety of tasks related to the rebuilding processes. The CWP in Knysna is applying to national government to increase the number of workers to 1 000.
Read a related article: Disaster managers plan recovery
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