Our approach

From community intelligence to measurable impact

KIG does not necessarily perform physical repairs itself. Its role varies by intervention — from full funding to technical delivery to escalation with Knysna Municipality — but the process is consistent.

The KIG model

1. Identify 2. Investigate 3. Assess 4. Mobilise 5. Fund / Facilitate
6. Intervene 7. Verify 8. Monitor 9. Measure impact A healthier estuary

Report

A resident, business or KIG channel flags an infrastructure problem.

Investigate & assess

KIG or a technical partner assesses the fault, its cause and urgency.

Mobilise & fund

KIG coordinates residents, contractors, suppliers and Knysna Municipality, and funds or facilitates the resources needed.

Verify & monitor

The outcome is checked against the original report, and KIG monitors for recurrence.

Why KIG

Six capabilities, one connected response

01

Local intelligence

KIG has direct visibility of infrastructure problems through its community reporting network.

02

Technical capability

Engineers, specialists, contractors and technical resources can be mobilised around specific problems.

03

Rapid mobilisation

KIG can sometimes mobilise resources when urgent infrastructure failures require immediate action.

04

Community participation

Residents contribute information, expertise and funding.

05

Government collaboration

KIG works with Knysna Municipality under a signed overarching MOU (12 Nov 2025) and other institutions.

06

Demonstrated delivery

A documented history of infrastructure interventions since December 2023, with water security and estuary health as key priorities.

The infrastructure challenge

Greater Knysna's infrastructure system is under real pressure

Documented through KIG's community reporting channels since December 2023, cross-referenced against KIG and Knysna Municipality's own records.

Ageing & failing infrastructure

Pump, motor and electrical faults recur across Charlesford, Sedgefield, Old Place and other pump stations.

Water-security constraints

Multiple Greater Knysna water emergencies in April, October and December 2024 required emergency response.

Wastewater failures & overflows

Sewer blockages and pump-station failures create overflow and contamination risk feeding toward the estuary.

Electrical faults

MCC panel, generator and substation failures directly disable the pumps that water and wastewater systems depend on.

Road & civil deterioration

Potholes, damaged manholes and civil works affect access and compound other infrastructure failures.

Maintenance backlogs

Recommissioning the Knysna WWTP and sustaining technical capacity has required KIG-funded engineering resources since Sep 2024.

See the approach in action

Explore the Intervention Archive →