Bosuns Pump Station – Setting The Record Straight

Recent statements regarding the Bosuns Pump Station require correction and clarification.

5/14/2026

At Choose CX, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and honest communication with the residents of Greater Knysna. Building trust starts with ensuring that facts—not political narratives—are shared with our communities.

Recent statements regarding the Bosuns Pump Station require correction and clarification.

The claim that the Bosuns Pump Station "failed again" is simply not accurate. The pump station was rendered temporarily inoperable after a pipeline collapse allowed large volumes of sand and silt to enter the system. To protect the pumps from severe damage, they had to be switched off while emergency repairs and cleaning operations were undertaken.

Timeline of Events

• 11 May 2026 – Following severe storms earlier in May, municipal jetting teams attended to blockages on the main Dikkop line leading to the pump station. Investigations revealed that the ground had collapsed and a section of pipeline had failed.

• 14 May 2026 – Knysna Municipality teams commenced repair work. During these operations, additional sand and silt entered the damaged line and accumulated in the pump station's 10-metre-deep sump. Pumps were shut down to prevent damage while cleaning operations began.

• 15–17 May 2026 – Municipal teams worked under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, manually removing sand and silt from the deep confined sump. The Fire Department provided on-site support to ensure worker safety.

• 18 May 2026 onward – Contractors were engaged to repair the damaged line. Initial repair attempts proved unsuccessful due to ongoing groundwater and sand infiltration. Additional specialist contractors were then appointed to resolve the issue.

• 28–30 May 2026 – Temporary sewage transfer pumps were installed, electrical connections established, and de-watering operations commenced. These activities were already underway several days before the Ward Councillor's site visit on 2 June.

The facts clearly demonstrate that work began on 11 May and continued throughout the month. Contractors were already appointed, de-watering operations were underway, and significant repair efforts were in progress long before the visit that has since been presented as the catalyst for action.

Most importantly, recognition must be given where it is due.

We commend the Knysna Municipality Superintendent overseeing the project, who worked tirelessly throughout this period, often sacrificing weekends to ensure progress. We also acknowledge the dedicated workers who physically entered a 10-metre-deep confined sump and manually removed sand and debris under challenging conditions to restore the system.

At Choose CX, we believe accountability applies to everyone. Facts matter. Credit should be given where it is earned, and residents deserve honest information rather than political grandstanding.

Our commitment remains unchanged: Transparent governance. Honest communication. Accountability for all.

#ChooseCX #Transparency #Accountability #Knysna #ServiceDelivery #CommunityFirst

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