Knysna mayor Joy Cole has banned all large-scale development in the burgeoning town until sufficient infrastructure is in place to handle the ever-increasing demand on government services.

The town's ratepayers' association welcomed the decision on Monday, but expressed concern that previously approved developments would still have a huge impact on town resources.

Cole and the Knysna municipality came under fire recently when pump failures and other infrastructural problems led to a loss of water and subsequent heavy water restrictions.

The Knysna Ratepayers' Association said a 30% increase in buildings completed last year had placed even more strain on scarce water resources.

Cole said the moratorium was a temporary measure to allow the municipality time to implement its integrated development plan and consider the larger needs of the town.

"It is more than just a measure to limit water consumption. The moratorium is there to allow us to assess the logistical, aesthetical and infrastructural development of Knysna.

"We have to look at the holistic, bigger picture and deal with all the town's problems in one integrated plan," she said.

Cole said the municipality was not against development and would not halt building indefinitely.

"We have stopped approving large development plans since September and will only do so until everything is in place. We should be back on track in a few months' time."

Ratepayers' association chairman Trevor Holmes welcomed the moratorium, but was still concerned about the adverse effect developments were having on resources.

"More than R400-million worth of building plans were approved from January to July last year.

"Many of those buildings will go up this year and will put more pressure on our resources," he said.

Knysna's biggest developer, Chris Mulder, said the moratorium was good if it provided for the long-term needs of the town. He extended an invitation to the municipality to discuss its needs with developers, who might be able to provide infrastructure which could lighten the town's burden.

Eastern Province Herald