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Author: Marlene Nqumse

02 September 2021 Media Release: MINISTER SIMMERS VISITS INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

MINISTER SIMMERS VISITS INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

On Monday, 30 August 2021, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, concluded his outreach to the Garden Route with a visit to the Informal settlements in Sedgefield and Kwanonqaba in Mossel Bay. These visits were to ascertain how theĀ Informal Settlements Support ProgrammeĀ has improved these living standards of the informal dwellers.

Minister Simmers met with key stakeholders, which included the Ward Councilor, the Community Leadership and the appointed NGO, to discuss current the state of the projects as well as future plans.

Minister Simmers said: ā€œIt is pleasing to note that the ISSP is making a significant difference in the lives of our people. It remains the priority of the Western Cape Government to ensure our people live in safer and improved conditions, as this will go a long way in restoring our peopleā€™s dignity. Iā€™m also delighted to note the good working relationship between the community leaders and the Ward Councillor, as this helps to remove any and all hindrances from projects.ā€

Through the ISSP, the Department has erected 104 new toilets and taps, as well as upgraded 74 toilets in Sedgefield. The ISSP provides individuals with a service stand with access to running water, sanitation and electricity services. The beneficiaries of the UISP are eligible to apply to build a house on their stand, through one of the governmentā€™s other housing subsidies, applicable to qualifying criterion.

ā€œAs the Western Cape Government we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open society,ā€ added Simmers.

Media Enquiries:Ā Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) /Ā 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Mr. Nathan Adriaanse

Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Tel: 021 483-2868 /Ā Cell: 083 263 1720

Nathan.adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

30 August 2021 Media Release: Newly appointed MEC of Transport and Public Works visits the Garden Route District

30 August 2021

For immediate release

Newly appointed MEC of Transport and Public Works visits the Garden Route District

This morning, the newly appointed Western Cape Government Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works, MEC Daylin Michell, visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and region, to conduct an introductory meeting with all the Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers in the district.

During his opening remarks, a confident MEC Michell assured local municipal representatives that service delivery to citizens is not new, although he might be new to the position. He also said that the concerns raised during the meeting might not be unique.Ā  His department will try and find solutions in the system to best address emerging and old challenges.Ā  He further mentioned that his visit to the Garden Route District would not be from something new but that today’s process aimed to kick off his predecessors and continue in that fashion.

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, introduced the discussions by explaining that the GRDM has the biggest road network compared to other district municipalities in the Western Cape.Ā  Alderman Booysen further explained how roads in other districts, especially the West Coast, are used as economic networks for farmers getting their harvest to airports and harbours in Cape Town and that those critical roads are tar.Ā  He stated that he believes that there should be no difference in the Garden Route District. Alderman Booysen concluded by requesting that the upcoming Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Western Cape Government Transport and Public Works and the GRDM address the previous years’ learning curves.

Afterwards, the different local municipal representatives raised their areas’ concerns and welcomed the visit of the Minister of Transport and Public Works.

As part of his visit, MEC Michell and his delegation, joined by Alderman Booysen and some of the other Executive Mayors, visited several sites in the George Municipal area.

 

11 July 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Please find included theĀ Impact Based WarningĀ for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
ā€œThis warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety andĀ no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.ā€

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)

 

17 August 2021 Media Release:Ā  New Quarantine and Isolation facility to relieve pressure in the Garden Route

Media Release:Ā  New Quarantine and Isolation facility to relieve pressure in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
17 August 2021

On Wednesday, 4 August 2021, a new Quarantine & Isolation facility has been open at the Gateway Lodge, 6km outside of George.

The Gateway Lodge site and PetroSA sites are the designated quarantine and isolations facilities in the Garden Route district. In terms of proximity, people from George, Knysna, Bitou and Oudtshoorn will first be accommodated at Gateway Lodge, which has a 28-bed capacity; if this site becomes full, those in quarantine and isolation, will be moved to PetroSA. People from Mossel Bay, Hessequa and Kannaland will be accommodated at the PetroSA facility which has a 150-bed capacity.

Both these sites are operational seven days a week and accept persons between 09h00 and 17h00 daily. The process for any public member requiring either quarantines or isolation facilities is to contact the local Provincial Department of Health sub-district health representative, who will assess the request and make the necessary arrangements.

It is important to note that if a person tested positive for coronavirus, they need to isolate. And if you have symptoms or have come into close contact with someone who has coronavirus, they are required to be in quarantine. If you can isolate or quarantine safely at home, do so, but if it is not possible, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local Provincial Department of Health sub-district health representative.

Contact details:

Knysna/Bitou subdistrict:

Contact number:Ā  044 302 8405 / Laurel.Giddy@westerncape.gov.za

Kannaland subdistrict:

Contact number: 028 551 1010 / Tina-Louise.Meiring@westerncape.gov.za

Oudtshoorn subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 203 7207 / Joyce.Matyhila@westerncape.gov.za

George subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 814 1124/5 / Tersius.Ackerman@westerncape.gov.za

Mossel Bay subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 604 6194 / Maria.Manuel@westerncape.gov.za

Hessequa subdistrict:

Contact number: 028 713 8640 / Elizabeth.Braaf@westerncape.gov.za

10 August 2021 Weather Advisory: Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape:

Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Advisory Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Hantam, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert andWitzenberg. 12/08/21Ā  – 00h00 13/08/21 – 00h00

Discussion: The public and small stock farmers are advised that very cold conditions with daytime temperatures below 10Ā°C are expected to set in over the Western Cape and southern Namakwa District (N. Cape) on Thursday and Friday, due to a cold front moving through the areas, bringing in light snowfalls over the mountain peaks and very cold conditions. Fresh to strong south-easterly winds (30-50km/h) can be expected for both days resulting in a significant wind chill factor. This will cause temperatures to feel much colder outdoors.

Impact: For the farmers, low temperatures, especially in the early hours of the mornings may lead to a loss of vulnerable livestock and crops.

Instruction: Keep warm by wearing appropriate winter clothes, where possible stay indoors. Avoid brazier or open fire to keep warm, in an unventilated room to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail:Ā factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

>>>Legal notice:<<<

ā€œThis warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.

It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.ā€

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at: 044 805 5071.

02 August 2021 Media Release: Health platform update

Media Release: Health platform update 2 August 2021

The Garden Route district has a total of 51Ā 300 confirmed COVID-19 cases, this is an increase of 3003 cases from last week.Ā  The district now has 5 974 active cases. George has the highest active cases per 100 000 people.Ā  Second is Mossel Bay sub-district and then Hessequa sub-district. All situations are being actively monitored. Ā It is important that we all play our part in curbing the spread of the virus by avoiding crowded places, confined spaces with poor ventilation and settings where you are a close contact.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital remains under pressure.Ā  Today there are 84 Covid patients in the hospital, of whom 22 are in Critical Care. This is a slight improvement compared to last week.

Harry Comay Hospital, as step-down facility for George Hospital, also remains under pressure.Ā  There are now 24 patients in the two wards.

All district hospitals are very busy with an increase in admissions.Ā  The supply of oxygen to hospitals is sufficient.

Vaccination programme

We have received fewer vaccine from the National Government than anticipated for this week.

Our Department is working behind the scenes to ensure that we receive additional vaccines to be able to sustain the high demand.

This does mean some of our sites are under pressure, and we ask for your support and patience. We continue to do everything possible to get available supplies to every corner of the province, and our staff are working extremely hard to provide you with an excellent vaccine service.

Our priority for walk-ins remains the same in principle.

Priority 1: People 60 years and older requiring their 1st and 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 2: People aged 50-59 years requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 3. People aged 35 – 49 requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Please note that vaccinations on the day will be guided by local demand at that specific site.

To register visitĀ http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/Ā or go toĀ www.westerncape.gov.zaĀ and click on the link to register or Ā WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 2 ā€“ 6 August Ā 2021.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 2 – 6 August
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 2 – 6 Aug
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 2 – 6 Aug
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 2, 5, 6
Knysna sub-district Karatara Satellite Clinic 2
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 6
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 2, 5, 6
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek Clinic 3
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 3, 4
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district George Central Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Mobile Outreach 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Haarlem Clinic 6
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 6
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 2 – 6 Aug
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 3, 4, 6
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 2, 5, 6
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 4
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 2, 3, 5, 6
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 2, 6
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 4
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 4
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 2
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 4
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 5
Kannaland sub-district Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal 3
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Boggomsbaai & Vleesbaai 03-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Herbetsdale 04-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Kleinbrak & Toekoms 05-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Sonskynvallei 06-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrus Community Hall 2 – 6 Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 03-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 05-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 2 – 6 Aug

 

COVID-19 stats as of 2 August 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 308 160 3 041 107
George 19 608 2 864 16 095 649
Hessequa 3 199 557 2 501 141
Kannaland 1 266 146 1 064 56
Knysna 6 497 623 5 680 194
Mossel Bay 12 109 1 213 10 542 354
Oudtshoorn 5 313 411 4 556 346
Sub-total 51 300 5 974 43 479 1 847

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

02 August 2021 Media Release: ā€œEHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high noteā€

Media Release: ā€œEHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high noteā€

For Immediate Release
02Ā  August 2021

In honour of the legacy of the late former President Nelson Mandela, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) George Office, in collaboration with the Western Cape Government Department of Health (WCDOH), devoted 67 minutes of their time to educate visitors at the Blanco Clinic for Madiba Day.

To demonstrate their commitment and dedicationĀ to protecting public healthĀ during the current Covid-19 pandemic, these men and women conducted health & hygiene education and awareness sessions for the patients visiting the clinic.

EHPs rolled out this initiative while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. They distributed buffs and educational pamphlets for later use and to emphasise that the only way to protect them against COVID-19 is by:

  • Proper hand-wash practices;
  • Wear a mask in public that covers the nose and mouth; and
  • To keep social distancing of at least 1, 5 m.

Mandela Day is a global call-to-action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. This year’s Mandela Day campaign message was, “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

26 July 2021 Media Release: Health platform update 26 July 2021

Media Release: Health platform update 26 July 2021

The Garden Route District had a 29% increase in new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago. All sub-districts had percentage increases, except Mossel Bay which has essentially maintained the status quo.Ā  Hessequa and Bitou has had the biggest percentage increases.Ā  The new cases are widespread with many household clusters.Ā  The total number of positive patients for the district on 26 July 2021 was 48 297.Ā  (One week ago it was 45Ā 017). There are now 922 active cases per 100 000.Ā  (One week ago it was 830.)Ā  There are now a total of 1 706 deaths.Ā  This is regretfully an increase of 97 since the report of last week.Ā  This is a high number and reflects the very difficult position hospitals are in at the moment for staff who have to manage this and the trauma and grief that many families and friends have to bear.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital is now under severe pressure.Ā  On 26 July, the hospital had Ā 97 Covid patients, of whom 24 were in Critical Care.

Harry Comay Hospital, as step-down facility for George Hospital, is under pressure.Ā  There are now 27 patients in the two wards, which is the maximum capacity with the available staff. Ā Additional measures have been put in place to accommodate more patients.Ā  All district hospitals are very busy with an increase in admissions. The supply of oxygen to hospitals has dramatically increased and meticulous monitoring of available oxygen and ordering is being done.

Vaccination programme

100-year-old Mrs Wilkinson received her vaccination at Knysna Town Hall on 20 July 2021. With her in the photo is son Rodney(right) and Zoswa(left) from Lifeline.

The Garden Route has administered 90 139 vaccines to date. Ā We currently have 35 active public sites.

The EVDS system is accepting registration and scheduling appointments for 35+ year old.

Our priority for walk-ins remains the same in principle.

Priority 1: People 60 years and older requiring their 1st and 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 2: People aged 50-59 years requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 3. People aged 35 – 49 requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Please note that vaccinations on the day will be guided by local demand at that specific site. To register visitĀ http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/Ā or go toĀ www.westerncape.gov.zaĀ and click on the link to register or Ā WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 26 ā€“ 30 July 2021.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 26 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 26 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 27 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 26, 29, 30 July
Knysna sub-district Karatara Satellite Clinic 26-Jul
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 30
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 26, 28, 30
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek Clinic 29
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic 26 – 30
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 27-Jul
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 26 – 30 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 26 – 30 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 26 -30 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 26 -30Ā  July
George sub-district Farm Mobile Outreach 26 -30 July
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 26 -30 July
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 26 – 30 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 27, 28, 30
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 29, 30
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 28
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 26, 27, 29, 30
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 30
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 28
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 27
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 26, 27 July
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 28-Jul
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 29-Jul
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Mobile Outreach 26, 28, 29 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 26 – 30 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 27-Jul
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 29-Jul
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 26 – 30 July

COVID-19 stats as of 26 July 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 236 153 2 978 105
George 18 209 2 719 14 900 590
Hessequa 2 886 435 2 326 125
Kannaland 1 191 141 995 55
Knysna 6 159 545 5 432 182
Mossel Bay 11 492 1 324 9 852 316
Oudtshoorn 5 124 389 4 402 333
Sub-total 48 297 5 706 40 885 1 706

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

26 July 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Veld Fire Conditions

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Veld Fire Conditions

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Veld Fire Conditions Beaufort West, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, KhĆ¢i-Ma, Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert 26/07/21 – 08h00 27/07/21 – 20h00

Discussion: The warm temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds could result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: Fireteams, labour and equipment are to be placed on stand-by. A first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

Report any severe weather related incidents to theĀ Garden Route Disaster Management CentreĀ atĀ telephoneĀ numberĀ 044Ā 805 5071.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town