As blogged at ‘Government: No Houses for 10 Years’, Karatara (Knysna) has seemingly been abandoned by government. Here is the item, word for word, as it was on the agenda at the Knysna Council Meeting of May 31 2016.

It is very disappointing that Municipal Manager Grant Easton’s recommendation was only to “note” the report. It would be more appropriate if he had recommended an emergency council meeting as soon as he received the news.

Instead, nothing was done and, at the same council meeting, the budget for 2016/2017 was passed without taking into account intervention in Karatara.

PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
To inform Council of the implications for the Karatara area in terms of the application for Rural Development Infrastructure (RID) Grant Funding being unsuccessful.

BACKGROUND
Council applied for RID Grant Funding to facilitate infratsructure and subsequent housing, specifically in the Karatara area.

DISCUSSION
The RID application has not being successful on the basis that there are insufficient funds. The probability is that Karatara is regarded as a non-viable rural community where social as opposed to infrastructural investment should take place. This is both a Nataional and a Provincial Policy. This was alluded to in the MTREF discussion with Provincial Officials that took place early in May 2016.

IMPLICATION
The simple implication of this is that it is highly improbable of any housing taking place in the Karatara area until the proposed ISDF Development takes place. A reasonable assured time frame is therefore that there will be no housing development in the next 10 years, at current financial community levels.

WAY FORWARD
Council needs to decide how to address the various service issues in Karatara. Appealing to other Governmental spheres is unlikely to be successful. Council will have to develop its own financial plan and budget for the area and communicate/participate it accordingly.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER
That the contents of the report, with regard to the RID Grant Funding, be noted.