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Author: Marlene Nqumse

02 August 2021 Media Release: Health platform update

Media Release: Health platform update 2 August 2021

The Garden Route district has a total of 51 300 confirmed COVID-19 cases, this is an increase of 3003 cases from last week.  The district now has 5 974 active cases. George has the highest active cases per 100 000 people.  Second is Mossel Bay sub-district and then Hessequa sub-district. All situations are being actively monitored.  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.  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.  There are now 24 patients in the two wards.

All district hospitals are very busy with an increase in admissions.  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 visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ or go to www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link to register or  WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 2 – 6 August  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: “EHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high note”

Media Release: “EHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high note”

For Immediate Release
02  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 dedication to protecting public health 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.  Hessequa and Bitou has had the biggest percentage increases.  The new cases are widespread with many household clusters.  The total number of positive patients for the district on 26 July 2021 was 48 297.  (One week ago it was 45 017). There are now 922 active cases per 100 000.  (One week ago it was 830.)  There are now a total of 1 706 deaths.  This is regretfully an increase of 97 since the report of last week.  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.  On 26 July, the hospital had  97 Covid patients, of whom 24 were in Critical Care.

Harry Comay Hospital, as step-down facility for George Hospital, is under pressure.  There are now 27 patients in the two wards, which is the maximum capacity with the available staff.  Additional measures have been put in place to accommodate more patients.  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.  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 visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ or go to www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link to register or  WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 26 – 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 -30  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, Khâi-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 the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

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

11 July 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Damaging Winds, Damaging Waves and Disruptive Snow

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Damaging Winds, Damaging Waves and Disruptive Snow

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 Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L2) Beaufort West, Hantam, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Prince Albert 12/07/21 00h00 13/07/21 00h00

Discussion: Northwesterly winds associated with the cold front, will reach average speeds of 55-60km/h gusting up to 65-70km/h over the Namakwa District and the Western Cape eastern interior from mid-morning through into early Tuesday morning. Over the offshore areas between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, These wind northwesterly winds (55-60km/h gusting 70km/h) are expected from Monday morning, becoming west to southwesterly and spreading to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon, persisting into Tuesday afternoon.

Impact: Localised damage to formal and informal settlements is possible. Fallen trees may affect properties and road travel. High sided vehicles may be at risk of falling over as result of strong crosswinds (particularly on N1, N2, N7, R321, R43). Strong north-westerly winds over the eastern parts of the province may fuel runaway fires. Offshore: difficulty in navigation for small vessels and personal water craft can be expected. Disruption of beachfront activities is possible as well as danger to rock anglers.

Instruction: Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L2) Bergrivier, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, M_Kamiesberg, Knysna, Matzikama, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay 12/07/21 00h00 13/07/21 00h00

Discussion: The cold front is expected to affect the Western Cape on Monday. South-westerly swell with wave heights between 4.5-6.0m and wave periods of 16 seconds are expected along the south and southwest coastline behind the cold front persisting into Tuesday afternoon. The area of concern is between Hondeklip Bay and Cape Agulhas from Monday morning, and through to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and person water craft (e.g. kayaks) can be expected. This may lead to vessels taking on water and capsizing in locality. Disruption to beach front activities is likely.

Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Snow Yellow(L4) Breede Valley, Cederberg, George, Hantam, Karoo Hoogland, Oudtshoorn, Witzenberg 12/07/21 00h00 13/07/21 00h00

Discussion: Forecasts indicate a spread of 05-10cm with some parts receiving 15cm of snow over the mountains of the Cape Winelands and the West Coast District (Cederberg mountain range), as well as the southern high ground in the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland municipalities (N. Cape) from Monday afternoon. The snowfall will spread to the Garden Route mountain ranges during Monday evening, persisting into Tuesday afternoon with significant impacts expected in the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains.

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

7 July 2021 Media Alert: Memorial Service of the late GRDM Fire Chief on 8 July at 10:00am

Media Alert: Memorial Service of the late GRDM Fire Chief on 8 July at 10:00am

Garden Route District Municipality will host a memorial service for the late Fire Chief Freddy Thaver on Thursday, 8 July 2021 at 10:00am.

You can join the proceedings via the following channels:

Webinar:  https://gardenroute.zoom.us/j/95554168723

OR

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/OUoiEQMs4i4

#FireChief
#GardenRouteDM

5 July 2021 Media Release: GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated

Media Release:  GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated

06 July 2016
For immediate release

The Garden Route District Municipality’s  (GRDM) Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, was one of the first 50 years plus residents of Mossel Bay to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, 1 July 2021.

According to a very excited Alderlady Ruiters, the overall process from start to finish went very well-ordered. “I need to comment the Western Cape Department of Health for the smooth, professional and safe manner in which the vaccination process was conducted. No long lines, with friendly, tolerant and helpful staff, skilled to make everybody feel at ease,” she said.

Alderlady Ruiters urges residents in the District who are 50 years and older, who have not registered on the EVDS system yet, to please do so.  The SMS appointment notifications to people over the age of 50 who have successfully registered had commenced on Friday, 2 July 2021, and scheduled appointments followed from Monday, 5 July 2021.

Let us all work together towards flattening the curve of the wave by protecting ourselves and others – wearing a mask in public, wash hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.  Always keep a safe distance and, where possible, avoid crowded places.

5 July 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update 5 July 2021

For Immediate Release
5 July 2021

The Garden Route District has seen a 95 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.  The district had an increase of 2 311 new cases the past 7 days. All sub-districts had large percentage increases.

District hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions, especially Mossel Bay Hospital. George Hospital continues to admit a large number of patients with COVID-19. The hospital currently has 44 COVID-19 patients of which 15 are in high care. All sub-districts are de-escalating non-essential services to cope with the increased load at primary health care facilities and hospitals.

COVID-19 stats as of 5 July 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 029 115 2 811 103
George 14 277 1 433 12 373 471
Hessequa 2 278 190 1 974 114
Kannaland 997 71 877 49
Knysna 5 367 350 4 850 167
Mossel Bay 9 412 1 188 7 978 246
Oudtshoorn 4 532 243 3 985 304
Sub-total 39 892 3 590 34 848 1 454

 

Vaccination roll-out

A total of 46 902 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

Registration for people 50 years and older frequently asked questions:

Has registration opened for people of 50 years and older?

Yes, people 50 years and older who want to receive the vaccine can now register on the available platforms.

Will people aged 50 – 59 years receive their appointments now?

Yes, the EVDS system will start allocating available appointments as from 5 July 2021.

What about people of 60 years and older who have still not received their 2nd SMS, will they be prioritised?

Yes, people aged 60 years and older will be prioritised over those of 50 – 59 years. We ask that those older than 60 who have not received their first dose to please come to a vaccination site as a walk-in, where they will receive their vaccination.

Will people of 60 years and older who must receive their second dose be prioritised over people aged 50 – 59 years?  Yes, our current priority is those above 60 years, for both their first and second dose of the vaccination.

Will sites assist walk-in people aged 50 – 59 years who are registered?  Yes, if the site has enough vaccines, you will be assisted. However, those with appointments will be assisted first.

 

The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 5 – 9 July.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 5, 8, 9
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 9
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Clinic 5 – 9 July
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek clinic 8
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 5, 9
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 6
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George & Herald Mobile Routes 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 9
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 5  –  9 July
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 5 – 9 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 6, 7 , 9
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 5, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 7
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 5, 6, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 5 ,9
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 8
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 6
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 5
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 7
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 8,9
Kannaland sub-district Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Hartenbos NG Kerksaal outreach 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Rheebok outreach 5
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 6
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 8
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 5 – 9 July

Disclaimer: Dates and sites are subject to change.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

1 July 2021 Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget will empower residents in the Garden Route

Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget will empower residents in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
1 July 2021

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says that his Department’s budget, totalling more than R 2.35 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, will help to qualify and deserving Garden Route District residents improve their lives.

Accompanied by his senior executive team, including the Acting Head of Department, Ms Phila Mayisela, virtual meetings were held with the Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and Hessequa Municipalities. Full Municipal Councils were present in each meeting. A virtual meeting with the Garden Route District concluded the engagements.

Minister Simmer said: “I enjoyed engaging the various Councils, even though we had to conduct the meetings on a virtual platform due to the current increases in COVID-19 cases and the adjusted alert level 4 restrictions. It is unfortunate that we could not engage the Bitou Municipality due to the current instability in that Council.

I am particularly happy that the Councils are in full support of our strategic priority area, which is to create opportunities in the affordable housing market. This is particularly important, as more than 70% of the province’s citizens are employed, while in the Garden Route District itself, more than 80% of the residents are in a form of employment.

This means these residents who are registered on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database and have expressed a need to be assisted by the State, would in all likelihood not qualify for a free, fully subsidised housing opportunity, as their household income could be between R 3 501 – R 22 000.”

These affordable housing opportunities include the Non-Credit Linked-, Credit Linked- and Finance Linked Individual Subsidies (FLISP). It also includes the Credit Readiness Programme, which is linked to FLISP, which assists those currently seeking to acquire a property but who would first need to improve their impaired credit record.

Breaking New Ground (BNG) free housing units will still be offered to those earning between R 0 – R 3 500 per month, noting that the elderly, people living with certified disabilities, those who have been 15 years and longer on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database (WCHDD) and backyard dwellers will be prioritised.

Furthermore, the new Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), which amounts to just over R 457 million for the entire province, is a people-centred and partnership-based approach to support informal settlement residents across the Western Cape. It will ensure that more than 74 000 households in various informal settlements across the province will experience an improvement in their area.

This programme will be implemented in Thembalethu and Wilderness Heights, both in the George municipal area, Zoar in Kannaland, Vision, Rheenendal and Sedgefield, all located in the Knysna municipal area and in Mossel Bay.

Minister Simmers added: “It was pleasing to confirm that the fund we proposed previously, and now known as the Western Cape Asset Finance Reserve for Human Settlements, is finally a reality. This reserve has been created for human settlements to augment the insufficient Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocations in municipalities, as well as assist municipalities to unlock the value of strategic assets including land and buildings.

It will also assist with job creation initiatives, including developing business/industrial hubs and other initiatives. As part of the broader criteria to access the fund, municipalities should focus on creating affordable housing opportunities.”

The allocations to municipalities of their combined Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and ISUPG for the 21/22 financial year are:

Kannaland: R 6.1 million

Oudtshoorn: R 12. 4 million

Knysna: R 46. 6 million

George: R 97. 1 million

Mossel Bay: R 211. 3 million

Hessequa: R 35. 1 million

Bitou: R 33. 2 million

“It is further unfortunate that due to the current COVID-19 alert level, we could not conduct the sod turning event in Melkhoutfontein for the new housing project, nor hand over any houses and title deeds in George and Slangrivier respectively. Along with the George and Hessequa Municipalities, we hope to find dates in due course to complete these activities, so that our deserving and qualifying residents can benefit in this empowering manner.

I’d also like to state that we remain committed to working hand-in-hand with local authorities, as they are a critical and strategic partner in the delivery of housing opportunities. It is my hope that they will share the information we presented with their residents, so that we can maximise housing opportunities across our province.

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

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868

Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za