The Knysna Local Municipality has been fined R10 million and placed under a court-backed repair programme after admitting to years of environmental failures that polluted rivers and streams flowing into the town’s lagoon.

The regional court imposed heavy sentences after the municipality pleaded guilty to contraventions of several environmental laws, including the National Environmental Management Act, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, the Environmental Conservation Act and the National Water Act.

The R10 million fine was suspended for five years, but only on condition that the municipality spends the same amount on emergency repairs set out in its plea and sentencing agreement and meets strict deadlines.

The municipality must also implement long-term action plans for its waste and sewerage systems.

It must finalise the Maintenance Management Plan for the Bigai River floodplain by 30 June 2026, and submit monthly progress reports to environmental investigators.

The NPA said on

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