Fires damage more than just Knysna’s infrastructure

The devastating fires that recently wreaked havoc in large parts of the Southern Cape have subsided, with Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Bito the areas that were most affected.

The damage, however, is far from done. An estimated 10 000 people were displaced due to the fires, and infrastructure, as well as other damages, may be as high as R4 billion.

According to Professor Melville Saayman from the research unit TREES (Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society) at the North-West University, the damage goes beyond just what can be seen.

“It goes without saying that the municipalities should immediately start getting essential service up and running. Telecommunications should be the first priority, infrastructure second. An estimated 439 houses were burnt down in addition to golf courses, clubhouses.the damage is massive. To start the rebuilding process extensive funds are needed. Funds that can be derived from tourists who are likely to now stay away.In addition to the numerous vacation homes that were burnt down, Knysna also follows a 365 festival policy, meaning that there is some form of the festival taking place every day. These will now have to be moved, or they simply can’t take place anymore.”

According to him, an awareness campaign is essential and should be launched without delay.

“Government and especially local authorities must now focus on projecting a positive image in the fire’s aftermath. That’s not saying they should paint over what happened, not at all. Too many people were affected, too many lives were lost. It is sad beyond description, but the rebuilding must start immediately. One approach would be launching an awareness campaign about the areas that were affected the most, as well as indicating what areas weren’t affected. They should also say: We are going to do this and that within this timeframe. The damage to infrastructure can be measured, the damage to perceptions not and it is this are that needs management as well.”

Knysna is not alone in facing this dilemma.

“Furthermore, neighbouring municipalities should also make clear how and if the fires affected them whilst saying what they are going to do to aid the municipalities in need. It is sometimes difficult for the general public to distinguish between geographical areas, thus it is important to say that they weren’t affected, but they support those that were. It creates confusion. The message must be: We are open for business. They can’t just sit back and say that this is Knysna’s problem. It is the region’s problem.