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Author: Herman Pieters

17 July 2020 Media Release: Illegal dumping remains a problem in the Garden Route, all over South Africa and many parts of the world

Media Release: Illegal dumping remains a problem in the Garden Route, all over South Africa and many parts of the world

For Immediate Release
17 July 2020

Illegal dumping and littering is still an ongoing problem in all nine provinces of South Africa. Moreover, with the lockdown and essential workers testing positive for COVID-19, many municipalities around the country experienced a backlog in their efforts to remove waste. Illegal dumping sites are now on the increase. These sites serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos and vermin such as rodents and cockroaches that can cause life-threatening diseases.

“Although the management of the illegal dumping of waste doesn’t fall under the ambit of GRDM, society as a whole has a collective responsibility to keep the environment clean in the same manner that they maintain cleanliness in their homes and yards. The ill-conceived notion that littering creates employment for cleaners simply degrades our public areas and health,” said Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen. “I used to be the mayor of Bitou Municipality where we experienced the same issue. People illegally dumped waste and littered while government was blamed for not cleaning up the environment,” he said. “Municipalities never illegally dump waste in neighbourhoods,” he added.

Municipalities need the public to help combat illegal dumping by reporting perpetrators. These criminal activities by individuals or organised groups negatively impact the lives of particularly the elderly and children, as they often come into contact with dangerous and contaminated medical waste, including items that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 coronavirus,” said Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services.

Local municipalities do their utmost to inform and educate residents regarding illegal dumping and using the available waste removal services. The cost involved in the removing and cleaning of illegal dumping is exorbitant and could be better utilised in delivering other desperately required services in the communities. Local municipalities also issue fines of up to R1000.00 to those found guilty of illegally dumping waste.

Communication Manager of George Municipality, Ms Chantel Edwards-Klose, has indicated that George Municipality has recorded more than 200 illegal dumping spots within their municipal area. “Our municipality has run illegal dumping awareness campaigns at a number of schools and implemented extensive awareness efforts on radio and social media over the years. Trespassers know that what they are doing is illegal, which makes it even sadder that they have no pride in their surroundings or concern for the well-being of their neighbours. It is so disheartening to our officials to clean up an area, at great expense, and go back a week later to find it filled with dumped refuse again.”

Illegal dumping and littering is an environmental crime

All contraventions of environmental legislation constitute a criminal offense. Environmental crimes include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Environmental pollution
  • Criminal activities relating to damaging of natural resources and habitats
  • Illegal disposal, handling and management of waste
  • Damaging and destroying natural resources, habitats and biodiversity
  • Criminal activities associated with endangered and indigenous species of fauna and flora
  • Harming the health of humans by causing a range of diseases

While disinfecting areas within the region firefighters and environmental health practitioners from GRDM found tissues, builders’ rubble, cardboard, chemical substances, baby nappies, plastic bags, sanitary pads and condoms. “Community members say that they are annoyed by the surge of illegal dumping in front of their homes and in the streets during lockdown,” said Mr Deon Stoffels, GRDM Station Officer: Fire & Safety Training, who coordinates the COVID-19 disinfection task team.

How public can address the issue of littering and illegal dumping

  1. Talk to the person directly.
  2. Security camera footage or photo evidence can be provided to the municipality or police of when and where it occurred and who did it.
  3. Report those orchestrating dumping activities to the authorities.
  4. Report those dumping waste by providing their names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators.
  5. Educate and be a good example to the children in your communities.

Illegal dumping hotspots in the Garden Route

Apart from open spaces, there are specific areas within each municipal boundary where illegal dumping happens more often than others. Remember, the illegal dumping of waste poses a threat not only to the environment, but the health and well-being of communities too.

Hessequa:  Theronsville, Aloeridge, Morestond and Kwanokuthula. Residents from the Hessequa municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 028 713 8020 or e-mail info@hessequa.gov.za.

Mossel Bay: Heiderand, KwaNonqaba, Alsapark, Highwaypark, Groot-Brakrivier, Hartenbos, Sonskynvallei, D’Almeida, JCC, Klein-Brakrivier, Glentana, Reebok, Fraaituitsig, Tarka, Ruiterbos and Friemersheim.  Residents from the Mossel Bay municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 606 5143 or 044 606 5000, SMS your complaint to 44802 or e-mail admin@mosselbay.gov.za.

George: Thembalethu, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Conville, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, Rosedale, Syferfontein, New Dawn Park, Seaview, Blanco, Touwsranten, Widlerness Heights Informal Settlement and Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement. Report those illegally dumping waste to 044 801 6350 or e-mail sprins@george.gov.za.

Knysna: Dam-se-Bos, Nekkies, Khayalethu, Concoria, Joodse Kamp, Smutsville, Karatara and Rheenendal. Residents from the Knysna municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 302 6405, e-mail rloxton@knysna.gov.za or WhatsApp to 081 556 3974.

Bitou: New Horizons, Kwanokuthula, Bossiesgif, Qolweni, Pine Trees, Green Valley, Harkeville, Kranshoek and Kurland. Residents from the Bitou municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to CustomerCare@bitou.gov.za or call 044 501 3174/5.

Greater Oudtshoorn: Bridgton and Bongolethu where illegal dumping is rife. Residents from the Greater Oudtshoorn municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 203 7800.

Kannaland: Informal settlements, Royal Heights and Protea Park. Residents from the Kannaland municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 078 409 9064.

All over South Africa

ENDS

17 July 2020 Media Statement: IDP Manager for Garden Route District Municipality passes away

Media Statement: IDP Manager for Garden Route District Municipality passes away

For Immediate Release
17 July 2020

He will be remembered as a ‘humble, kind, calm and collected’ colleague

“It is with shock and broken hearts that we learned of the passing of one of our own employees yesterday to COVID-19,” said Alderman Booysen, Executive Mayor for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Integrated Development Planning (IDP) Manager, Mr Mzukisi Cekiso is no longer with the GRDM. “Our prayers go out to his wife, child, family and friends – the District will never be the same again,” said Alderman Booysen. “The sun went down during the day.”

‘Mzu’, as he was fondly referred to by everyone, brought a breath of fresh air to the institution with his appointment on 1 February 2018. Part and parcel of his responsibilities were to manage and coordinate the IDP, Public Participation and Intergovernmental Relations functions for the district.

During a Zoom meeting today, 17 July 2020, with employees at GRDM, Alderman Booysen described Mzu as a man who often “presented his strong side to others”, who was also in contrast “a light-hearted person with a lot of ambitions”. Mayor Booysen said when Mzu bought a new vehicle he requested permission from Mzu to take it for a drive. Mzu jokingly responded: “my vehicle starts with only my own fingerprint”. Employees all have fond and happy memories of their engagements with Mzu.

Sadly, Alderman Booysen recalled one of the last messages Mzu sent to his wife Elethu in which he stated that “this COVID-19 nonsense is painful”. A scary and mind-opening fact about the seriousness of the virus.

GRDM Municipal Manager Mr Monde Stratu encouraged all Councillors and employees to be vigilant during this period because the COVID-19 Coronavirus is “vicious and knows no boundaries”. He also pleaded to employees, especially men, not to think that by avoiding to admit oneself to the hospital a person would be perceived as “brave at hearted”. He said: “You should seek medical assistance should the need arise”.

Mr Lusanda Menze, GRDM Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development when asked to share his thoughts about Mzu, said: “A great son of the soil! Mzu’s passing came as a shock to many of us. I was in daily contact with him and he never showed any signs of apprehension. Having known him for close to 10 years, the Department is incomplete without him. I am really saddened by the loss of this kind, caring and gentle person who had an affable demeanour. He had the equanimity of dealing with complex issues and was [also] self-driven”.

Ms Mercy James, GRDM IDP Officer, was his right hand at work. She describes her time reporting to him by saying, “I was blessed to work with Mzu from 1 March 2018. Since the onset of my duties, he made it clear that the IDP unit was not about him, but that we needed to work as a team. Over time Mzu got to know not only my strengths, the areas of my skill set where I were not that strong.  He was determined to see me develop my strengths, rather than revealing my weaknesses. A true leader, who walked in front but close enough to his supporting team. I experienced him as humble, kind, calm and collected person, and he could easily handle my ‘differently tempered’ personality. I’m deeply saddened by his passing, but grateful that I had the privilege of working with a noble man like him.”

Mzu was involved in many government structures, well known to those working inside and outside the organisation, including premiers, mayors, municipal managers, IDP managers and the like. His sudden passing has left a void in the municipality. His colleagues and friends were not able to say goodbye before he left because everything happened so fast.

The municipality is in contact with Mzu’s family to provide the necessary assistance and support during this difficult period.  “This was too sudden, especially for those who were close to him…there are no words to explain the grief that all of us are observing even from afar,” Mr Stratu concluded.

May his soul rest in peace.

ENDS

 

iStock.com/ra2studio

17 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update – 17 July 2020

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update 

17 July 2020
For Immediate Release

 As of 17 July 2020, the Garden Route District has 3339 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 229 cases; 107 recoveries
Knysna 509 cases; 259 recoveries
George 1532 cases; 853 recoveries
Hessequa 60 cases; 34 recoveries
Kannaland 35 cases; 18 recoveries
Mossel Bay 722 cases; 324 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 252 cases; 89 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 73 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 2
Mossel Bay 9
George 35
Knysna 11
Bitou 8
Oudtshoorn 8

Hospitalisation

There are currently 88 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 17 in High Care/ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 137 385 people have been screened and 1007 referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.

PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 80 people at West Camp.

Primary healthcare                  

Our Primary Health Care platform is an important vehicle to support our health system, so that our patients are well cared for to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed. Although we advise patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. Should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.

Shielding the vulnerable

Persons over the age of 55 or have a chronic condition are at risk for severe COVID-19 illness and should take extra precautions to protect themselves by following these steps:

  1. Avoid getting the virus by staying home, wear a mask (when you have to go out), wash hands regularly and disinfect surfaces
  2. Look after your health by following a healthy lifestyle and take your medication regularly
  3. Get help immediately if you do not feel well
  4. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, go for immediate testing, do not delay

The Department has implemented an action plan for Diabetics with COVID symptoms which includes expanding testing for diabetics who represent a high risk group. Our current data suggests that these patients are presenting or are being admitted too late in a very sick conditions, which has dire outcomes.

Next 100 days

The Department has identified the next 100 days as crucial to refocusing the health system and health services while still managing the pandemic with continued interventions to increase immunisation coverage, TB treatment and ART uptake.

We urge all citizens to remain careful in observing the essential 5 Golden Rules of hygiene and safety. It remains important to take particular care of persons with underlying conditions and particularly Diabetes, who are at significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19. We urge these people to really take special care and to shield themselves from exposure where possible.

The protection of our most vulnerable loved ones remains in our collective hands.

-ENDS-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za 
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Picture credit: iStock.com/ra2studio

17 July 2020 Notification: Essential re-gravel and drainage repair work along the Southern section of the Swartberg Pass

Notification: Essential re-gravel and drainage repair work along the Southern section of the Swartberg Pass

Immediate Release
17 July 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will perform essential re-gravel and drainage repair works on the Swartberg Pass between sections 14.40km and 23.24km (R328 / P0369).

The project will stretch over an eight month period.

Details include: 

Period: 20 July 2020 till 31 March 2021
Mondays to Thursdays: 08h30 to 16h00
Fridays: 08h30 to 13h00

During above mentioned time-frames construction vehicles will be active on narrow road sections. Motorists will experience stop-and-go with delays of up to one hour or more. Road users are therefore requested to plan their trips with the above in mind. An alternate route via Meiringspoort on trunk road 33/4 can be used.

Approach roadworks cautiously

Equally important is the safety of road users. Flag operators in our road maintenance teams are tasked with helping traffic flow smoothly and safely around the affected area.  At times where there are no flag operators, road users must obey the traffic signs.

  1. Approach the construction zone with caution especially under wet and dark conditions.
  2. If you are approaching a stop/go control, obey the flag operator. He or she will use hand signals and flags to show if when is your turn to stop and when you can go.
  3. When vehicles are in front of you as you approach the construction site, slow down, stop if necessary, and remain cautious and observant.
  4. Obey temporary speed limits at roadwork sites.
  5. The lane width may be narrower than usual and therefore more hazardous. Road shoulders may be particularly narrow. Be extra careful. Stay in your lane. Do not straddle the lines.
  6. When moving through a construction site, keep your attention on driving and on other traffic. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by construction activities. This is dangerous and can slow down traffic unnecessarily.
  7. Watch out for construction equipment, workers, obstacles and debris.

Report potholes and road-related issues

 Road users can report potholes and road-related issues to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Please include your name, contact number and location of the pothole in your e-mail. The exact location is very important because this will save us time in finding the pothole and to do the repairs as soon as we can.

For more information

Project enquiries: Mr. Lionel Coetzee
Cell: 082 883 2140
Email: LionelC@gardenroute.gov.za

16 July 2020 Media Release: “My sister and I tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a funeral”

Media Release: “My sister and I tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a funeral”

For Immediate Release
16 July 2020

Amanda (38), an employee of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently shared her and her sister’s COVID-19 experience. “We have no comorbidities and experienced flu-like symptoms,” she said.

Still in self-isolation, Amanda says that she and her sister attended a funeral in Graaff-Reinet on 20 June. They both developed a dry cough a few days after returning to George. By 29 June they suspected that they contracted COVID-19 after their cousin, who also attended the funeral, alerted them on 25 June that she had tested positive for it.

“We went for tests on 2 July and got our ‘positive results’ back on 6 July.”

“I was shocked and immediately called my doctor to ask for advice on what to do.” The doctor informed them to stay at home and isolate themselves from others. “Thankfully I stay with my sister. Neither of us even considered going out after suspecting that we had COVID-19, because nowadays coughing in public is met with glares from strangers and friends,” said Amanda.

A picture of Amanda before the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

The sisters were frustrated at times as they were confined to their flat and not even allowed to go for a walk. Amanda said that she continued with work duties from home and was available to assist the municipality with work when requested.

When sharing some of the support she received, Amanda explained: “My HR Manager, Ms Nontobeko Klaas, also tested positive a while back and she was the first one to call and comfort me. She shared some home advice on what home remedies worked for her including ginger, garlic, lemon, honey, and inhaling peppermint or eucalyptus vapour my chest felt tight or heavy.”  Her colleagues, family and friends were in constant contact with her. “I also held daily video calls with my cousin.”

Amanda pleads “for those suspecting of having COVID-19 to go into quarantine and for those who tested positive to isolate, because it protects others from contracting the virus.” She added: “other people might not experience the same symptoms and I think that those with comorbidities are more prone to serious complications.” Amanda shared that they only experienced minor body aches and a persistent dry cough.

Her COVID-19 experience taught her to not only look at the negative side of any disease, but also to read up and listen to experiences of others who had survived. “People should not stigmatise those who tested positive for a disease because it helps no one. Those who tested positive need support more than anything else,” she added.

Amanda urges the public to be more proactive and to go into quarantine when they experience a cough, runny nose or body aches. “Live as healthy as you can and avoid gathering in large groups. Stick to the rules. COVID-19 is real and ignoring this fact might cost you your own or another person’s life.”

14 July 2020 Media Release: Guidelines for businesses offering services such as haircuts, tattoos and manicures

Media Release: Guidelines for businesses offering services such as haircuts, tattoos and manicures

For Immediate Release
14 July 2020

While South Africa is still operating under alert level 3, hairdressers, barbershops, nail and toe treatment, facial treatment, make-up, body massage, tattooing and body piercing were allowed to re-open their doors on 19 June 2020. However, stricter health and hygiene protocols had to be in place at all these businesses to protect their employees and the public. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is in full support of these businesses to operate again after many employers and employees were left without an income for nearly three months, as long as all the protocols are adhered to.

Following to the opening of these businesses, the GRDM also received applications for new businesses to open their doors. All existing and new businesses are required to be in possession of a health certificate issued by the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP), said Mr Johan Compion, GRDM Manager Municipal Health and Environmental Services. “If a hair salon, barbershop or body piercing shop doesn’t have one, the owner needs to apply for it by contacting one of our offices for more information, otherwise enforcement will take place,” he said.

DETAILS TO BE PRESENTED WHEN APPLYING

These are the details all barbers and hairdressers need to present when to apply for a health certificate:

  • The business name
  • The physical address of the premises
  • The name and identity number of the owner or person in charge

HEALTH CERTIFICATE RULES

  1. The health certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous manner on the premises and it must be clearly visible to everyone entering the premises.
  2. The health certificate is not transferable from one owner to another or from one premises to another.
  3. The certificate should be renewed in case of change of ownership; in the case of renovations/additions to the existing premises and if the service moves from one premises to another premises.

For an application of a Health Certificate, structural requirements, waste management requirements, and any other standards, make contact with the following GRDM EHP chiefs:

Hessequa area

Mossel Bay area

George area (Wilderness)

Outeniqua area

Lakes area (Knysna)

Bitou area

Oudtshoorn & Kannaland areas

Guidelines/checklist in terms of the Municipal Health Services Bylaw of 2018:

  • Internal walls easily cleanable and painted with a light coloured paint.
  • Floors constructed of an easily cleanable with smooth finish
  • The ceiling must be constructed of a dust proof material.
  • Ventilation and illumination
  • Ablution facilities
  • Separate Basins: Adequate number of basins for the washing of hair and supplied with hot and cold
  • Waste water disposal system approved by Local Authority
  • Change room(s)
  • Refuse disposal
  • A central refuse storage area
  • The premises may not be used for food preparation or for sleeping
  • The premises and all equipment used in connection should always be maintained in good conditions and clean and sanitary.
  • No animals permitted on the premises, unless in the case of a guide dog
  • Instruments kept clean and disinfected after each use
  • Adequate numbers of towels
  • Laundry
  • Facility for cleaning crockery and utensils if beverages are served
  • Containers used for the storage of health care risk waste should be clearly labeled in large, legible lettering.
  • Employees should be adequately trained in the identification, separation, handling and storing of health care risk waste.
  • Health care risk waste may only be removed/ collected, transported, treated and disposed by a registered service provider from the premises.
  • Accurate and up to date records of all health care risk waste generated by the facility must be kept.
  • The use of dyes, pigments and stencils and tattoo procedures
  • In preparing dyes or pigments, non-toxic materials should be used.
  • Single-use, sterile, individual containers for dyes or pigments must be used for each
  • The stencil, unless composed of acetate, should be used for a single tattoo procedure only. Acetate stencils may be disinfected and re-used.

Download the bylaw here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Garden-Route-DM-Municipal-Health-Services-By-law-Dec-2018.pdf

ENDS

iStock.com/piyaset

13 July 2020 Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

For Immediate Release
13 July 2020

Drought can be defined as a climatic event originating from a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage within agricultural, urban and environmental settings. From 2009-2020, municipalities located within the Garden Route Municipality’s (GRDM) jurisdiction experienced drought episodes of varying degrees, ranging from moderate to severe and extreme meteorological droughts. Diminished rainfall during these drought episodes results in numerous lagged, “knock-on” consequences to ground and surface water resources, that translates into critically low urban water supplies in the Garden Route district. These hydrological drought conditions also generate additional effects and necessitated significant emergency responses over the last 11 year period in the Garden Route district.

The Western Cape has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because of its coastal location and the influence of rising sea temperatures on the weather patterns in the adjacent region. Prediction is that by 2050, the rainfall in the Western Cape is likely to decrease by 30% relative to current figures. The drought in the Garden Route district is consistent with long-term climate change projections for the area.

It is predicted by scientists that there will definitely be an average increase in temperatures within the district, having serious implications for soil moisture and the agricultural sector. A reduction in winter rainfall, with changes in the timing and intensity of the rainfall, is also predicted, thereby contributing to extended periods of drought with intermittent flooding events in between.

Climate variability and changing weather conditions are key risk drivers when it comes to drought vulnerability within the Garden Route district.

Consistent with prevailing studies on drought and water scarcity, the vulnerability within the Garden Route district is also amplified by interacting risk drivers that progressively escalated the risk of a wide-spread water shortage. These risk drivers include population growth and unprecedented urban development within the district, which results in greatly increased water consumption, both in agriculture and in the rapidly growing coastal towns. A lack of resilient and adaptive drought risk management planning within development zones further exacerbates the areas vulnerability to drought.

The focus of the GRDM to address the disastrous impacts of drought events within the district, has been to connect with climate change science and to facilitate the “climate-proofing” of water services within the district, so that the rights of all to reliable, safe, sufficient, affordable water is not compromised by the impacts of climate change, and that alternative strategies for providing water services do not in themselves contribute further to global warming. This however needs to be a collaborative focus by different stakeholders within the sector. Through adaptive responses and actions to drought impacts, municipalities have the power to provide resilient responses to ensure water security and sustainability for the district within the face of climatic unpredictability.

Responses such as rigorous water demand management, a systematic investment in water infrastructure and technical capacity is essential to manage the district’s water supplies sustainably. Alternative and new water resource options need to be investigated to ensure the integrity of the water system, such as the use of groundwater, the re-use of effluent and the desalination of seawater. Groundwater potential also exists in most of the district, and its conjunctive use with other supply sources and infrastructure should be investigated. Volumes can be obtained on a sustainable basis through more adaptive management actions such as resource directed measures where it is most needed. Desalination is also an important supply intervention, as decreasing costs could result in desalination being implemented prior to some of the conventional water resource schemes. Desalination can be an efficient method to cater for prolonged drought emergencies, a stronger trend in climate change and rapid growth scenarios. The clearing of invasive alien plants from riparian buffer zones is also a key mechanism for managing this risk, as it helps to restore base-flows that are otherwise used by invasive alien plants.

Due to the more erratic rainfall patterns experienced and forecasted due to climate change, a more holistic view is needed in the district, with a balance of different sources to cope with extremities.  The focus need to shift towards the careful management and optimisation of existing use. Planning and preparedness needs to take a more general flexible form. There is room for the local municipalities within the district to tackle specific issues their own way, allowing for more flexibility, with appropriate responses for the different local contexts. The Garden Route district would therefore like to encourage its local municipalities to ensure that their municipal disaster risk assessments incorporate considerations of their specific urban water scarcity levels and drought risks and their patterns in population growth and urban development, and to implement strong water conservation and demand management programmes, and more adaptive and resilient interventions.

By being resilient, it means that the municipality has the capacity to cope with future change and surprises, without changing in undesirable ways. Resilient interventions are defined by actions that support and regulate life support systems, as well as in providing the adaptive basis for coping with gradual and sudden change.  Through adopting a resilience perspective, we can produce new knowledge which is fundamental to manage the capacity of water systems to cope, adapt and shape change.

By adopting a more resilience approach to drought, vulnerability within the district can be minimized through a reduced exposure to stresses, as well as a reduction in social-ecological sensitivities through sustaining ecosystem services and human well-being in vulnerable areas. Through adopting this approach, a management approach focusing on proactive strategies – able to adapt to change, can be achieved, thereby averting or ameliorating the impacts of drought disasters within the district.

ENDS

Issued by the Disaster Management Unit, Garden Route District Municipality
Media queries: Herman Pieters, communications@gardenroute.gov.za

10 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 10 July 2020

For Immediate Release
10 July 2020

As of 10 July 2020, the Garden Route District has 2241 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 139 cases; 62 recoveries
Knysna 328 cases; 161 recoveries
George 1093 cases; 509 recoveries
Hessequa 37 cases; 20 recoveries
Kannaland 24 cases; 10 recoveries
Mossel Bay 442 cases; 164 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 178 cases; 49 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 47 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 1
Mossel Bay 7
George 24
Knysna 9
Bitou 4
Oudtshoorn 2

Hospitalisation

There are currently 32 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 9 in ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 133 536 people have been screened and 851 referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.

PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 86 people at West Camp.

Primary healthcare                                                                                                        

Although we urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

6 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM Head Office temporarily closed for disinfection

Media Release: Garden Route DM Head Office temporarily closed for disinfection

For Immediate Release
6 July 2020

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head Office in George will be closed tomorrow, 7 July 2020 and reopen on 8 July 2020. The decision was made after another GRDM employee from the Head Office tested positive for COVID-19.

All GRDM satellite offices in the district will continue to operate as normal. The temporary closure of the head office will allow the municipality to take the necessary precautions related to the COVID-19 protocols.

It is important that everyone adheres to all principles to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay at home, if you can work from home. Make sure that you keep a 1.5 meter distance between yourself and the next person, wear a clean cloth mask when you have to go out, wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. If you feel sick also stay at home and seek urgent medical care when experiencing difficulty breathing.

ENDS

6 July 2020 Media Release: Your Public Testing Questions Answered

Media Release: Your Public Testing Questions Answered

For Immediate Release
6 July 2020 

YOUR PUBLIC TESTING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Western Cape Government Health has seen an increase in people accessing testing sites in the George subdistrict. Please see below for answers to the frequently asked questions.

I think I have Covid-19, what should I do?

If you have flu symptoms, such as fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, or a loss of taste or smell, you might have Coronavirus. You must be screened by answering specific questions about your health before you can go for testing. You can use the self-screening tool on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus, call our provincial hotline on 021 928 4102, or call your local facility. After completing the screening, you will be referred for testing if necessary.

Which are the public testing sites in George?

Testing Site Operating hours Tel nr
George Triage and Testing site 07:00 – 17:00 Monday to Sunday 044 802 4420
Themablethu Clinic 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday 044 814 1501
Conville Clinic 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday 044 875 8070 / 044 814 1050
Touwsranten Clinic 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday 044 850 1366
Blanco Clinic 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday 044 814 1190
Pacaltsdorp Clinic 07:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday 044 814 1200

Who can visit the testing site at George Hospital?

George Hospital has a Triage and Testing Site which is open to all members of the public who would like to be screened and tested if needed. The unit is on the hospital grounds and clearly indicated with signage. We would like to remind you that George Hospital’s Emergency Unit is for emergencies only and not for Covid-19 screening and testing. Only persons with medical emergencies should visit the emergency unit.

How long will I have to wait for my test results?

Tests results take between 3 – 5 days. In some cases it may take longer. You must isolate while you wait for your test results.

How will my test results be communicated to me?

You will receive a SMS from NHLS (National Health Laboratory Service) with your test result (positive or negative) to the contact number you provided.

Should I visit a health facility for my test results?

You should not visit any health facility to ask for test results. If you are positive, going to a facility for your test result will endanger the lives of other people. NHLS will communicate your test result to you.

Can I get a printed copy of my results from the clinic?

No, printed results will not be supplied by health facilities.

I have received my positive test result, now what?

Should you have received your positive result, you will be contacted by the contact tracing team for further instructions.

Do I need to retest after 14 days?

No follow-up testing is required or done at any of our facilities.

When you have been diagnosed with Covid -19, has had mild symptoms only, and has been in isolation for 14 days, you are considered recovered and may return to work. (This also applies to a person who self-isolates for 14 days after the onset of Covid-19 symptoms without testing). Public health facilities will not re-test anyone after 14 days of isolation. We have received numerous requests from private companies to retest their staff or to issue them with a letter to confirm that they don’t have Covid-19 anymore. The re-test will not be done, but Western Cape Government Health can issue a letter to confirm that a person is fit for work after this above period of isolation. Contact your nearest clinic for this. Testing in the public sector is free of charge. However, you will only be tested if you have been screened and meet the criteria for testing.

How can I protect myself from getting Covid-19?

Always remember the 5 golden rules of hygiene: Social distancing (keep 1.5 m away from others) and always wear a mask when in public, cough or sneeze in your elbow or a tissue, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and do not touch your face.

Where can I get more information?

Valuable information regarding Covid-19 is available at https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

 

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Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health