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Disaster Management

16 October 2023 Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

16 October 2023

Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

To commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will host several community events in appreciation of the province’s EMS men and women who play critical roles every day in bringing quality health care delivery closer to residents.

On the day, residents can interact with EMS personnel in their districts about service improvements or complaints, as well as write messages on ambulances and pledge their support to keep our province’s EMS personnel safe.

The Department is deeply disturbed by reports of EMS personnel being attacked by the very same community members they are serving. A total of 37 incidents have taken place in 2023, leaving 60 EMS personnel traumatised and disrupting essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable.

Media are invited to attend these EMS appreciation events on 17 October. There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews.

District Location Time
Garden Route Multipurpose Community Centre, Thembalethu 08h00
Central Karoo Shoprite Park, Beaufort West 10h00
Overberg Thusong Community Centre, Grabouw 10h00
West Coast Moorreesburg Community Hall 10h00
Cape Winelands Mountain Mall, Worcester 09h00
Southern Division Watergate Mall, Lentegeur 09h00
Eastern Division Macassar, corner of Burg and Hospital Street 11h30
Northern Division Civic Centre, Delft 11h30
Western Division Town Square, Fish Hoek 11h00

Note to Editors:
Media wishing to attend these events can reach out to Megan Davids.

Contact
Media Liaison, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Email: Megan.Davids@westerncape.gov.za
Mobile: 082 041 5203

Issued: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

ENDS

5 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents

Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents.

For immediate release
5 October 2023

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services responded to a request to assist the Overstrand Municipality with water provision in Hermanus and surrounding areas.

After impacts of severe rains that hit the western part of the Western Cape on the weekend of 25 September 2023, many water systems were severely impacted, so much so that multiple towns were left without drinking water for an extended period of time.

On Thursday afternoon, 28 September 2023, two (2) firefighters from the GRDM Fire Services left the Garden Route with a fire truck that carried 5500 litres of water to assist Overstrand. GRDM’s Martino Jacobs and Petrus Jordaan further assisted by delivering water to various residential areas, carting water from Standford to Hermanus for a four-day period.

Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels, indicated: “It was a humble and proud experience for the GRDM firefighters to assist a neighbouring district and towns with residents that were in real need of an essential commodity. As usual GRDM is proud to be of assistance in times of crisis,” he concluded.

ENDS

22 September 2023 Impact-Based Severe Weather Warnings – Level 6 for Damaging Waves, Severe Thunderstorms and Damaging Winds

Three severe weather alerts have been issued and are expected to impact various areas within the Garden Route district.

Warnings are all valid from Sunday, 24 September at 00:00 in the morning until 00:00 on Monday 25 September 2023.

Towns to be impacted by DAMAGING WINDS and SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS in the region include all towns – Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland, and Oudtshoorn.

All coastal towns of the Garden Route will be impacted by DAMAGING WAVES – these include Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, and Hessequa.

  • Level 6 for Damaging Winds (high likelihood, with a significant impact)
  • Level 6 for Severe Thunderstorms (high likelihood, with a significant impact)
  • Level 6 for Damaging Waves (high likelihood, with a significant impact)

Below find copies of the Severe Weather Alerts issued by the South African Weather Service.

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.”

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

20 September 2023 Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders collect nearly 500 bags of waste, including recyclable materials, in Thembalethu

Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders collect nearly 500 bags of waste, including recyclable materials, in Thembalethu

Representatives from the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE), with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Garden Route District and George Municipalities, Cape Nature and stakeholders from the Private Sector including John Dory’s and the Spur Foundation, embarked on a clean-up operation near the Schaap-kop River on 15 September in Thembalethu, George.

The clean-up operation included 65 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) members, including a Working-on-Fire Team from George. The programme formed part of the Clean-Up and Recycle – South Africa initiative and was also part of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day that is celebrated in September each year. Approximately 100 participants, with the stakeholder representatives, rolled up their sleeves to clean up the littered area.

A few bags of waste collected at the site during the cleanup operation.

On behalf of CapeNature, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Thabiso Mokoena, said that with the initiative and the impact of pollution on the environment, he hopes that it will inspire the community to do better in terms of how household waste is disposed of.  Katt Perry, Senior Manager at John Dory’s, said that they have a vested interest in the project, and she stressed that “if waste comes through the river, it will end up in the oceans and eventually, we won’t be able to help the fish that are disappearing”. Perry thanked participants present for their hard work and said: “It takes that one person to make a difference”.

Dawid Adonis, Director for Community Services at George Municipality, during his remarks said: “We need to make sure that we keep the environment clean – we need communities to assist us to keep our environment clean and take responsibility”. In addition, he said: “Each and every one of us is an ambassador to make sure that our households use the bags and separate household waste as it will help the municipality to take less waste to the landfill facility”.

Before the groups went into different directions, each with refuse bags, GRDM’s Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, explained the purpose of the various bags and what waste types are allowed in the different bags”.

At the end of the event, more approximately 320 black bags and nearly 50 recyclable bags were collected. Thank you to all stakeholders and participants who formed part of this initiative.

Stakeholders and members from the WOF and EPWP teams during the Cleanup operation in Thembalethu.

Did you know?

  • BLUE/CLEAR bags are used for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass etc.
  • GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
  • BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

How do you recycle?

  • PAPER that CAN be recycled: office paper, newspaper and magazines, cardboard (boxes flattened), brown paper bags, take away containers (food removed and rinsed), milk and juice cartons (rinsed and flattened) and books (hard covers removed).
  • PAPER that CANNOT be recycled: napkins, tissue paper, paper towels, wax paper, laminated or waxy paper, punch confetti, carbon paper and stickers.
  • METAL that CAN be recycled: cooldrink and beer cans, food tins (rinsed clean), metal lids of glass, jars, aluminium cans, rusty cans can be recycled and recycled batteries (taken to correct depot).
  • METAL that CANNOT be recycled: batteries, motor oil cans, paint and aerosol cans, and tinfoil.
  • GLASS that CAN be recycled: all colours of glass bottles and jars, beer and wine bottles (rinsed).
  • GLASS that CANNOT be recycled: mirrors and windows, ceramic, crystal, drinking glasses and light bulbs.
  • PLASTIC that CAN be recycled: all plastics numbers 1-7 (rinsed), grocery and retail plastic bags (clean) and milk sachets.
  • PLASTIC that CANNOT be recycled: cling wrap, and polystyrene (is recyclable but no facility on Garden Route for now).

ENDS

6 September 2023 Public Notice: Five (5) x 100 KVA Emergency Back-up Diesel powered Generators on order for the Garden Route District Municipality

Public Notice: Five (5) x 100 KVA Emergency Back-up Diesel powered Generators on order for the Garden Route District Municipality

After obtaining approval form both Provincial Treasury, as well as the Council of the Garden Route District Municipality for the rollover of the Emergency Municipal Loadshedding Relief Grant the Garden Route District Municipality could finally place an order to the successful bidder, AK Electrical Consultants, to supply and deliver five mobile 100 KVA diesel powered generators, to be used as back-up units during the current energy crisis.

These units will be placed at Garden Route District Municipal offices in the district to be available to assist as back-up power units in case of emergencies.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Notice number: 122/2023

Click here to download the Official Notice

 

02 August 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM and George Municipality visit grade 5 learners and share knowledge about nature conservation

Media Release: Garden Route DM and George Municipality visit grade 5 learners and share knowledge about nature conservation

For Immediate Release
01 August 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Unit in collaboration with George Local Municipality conducted an educational session about World Nature Conservation Day (28 July) at Mzoxolo Primary School for grade 5 learners.

The main objectives of this campaign were to educate learners about nature conversations. Also, to encourage them to take part in protecting the environment and enhance nature conservation.

During the awareness campaign learners were also taught about the following:

  • causes and the impacts of the loss of natural resources;
  • health risks associated with loss of natural resources;
  • the benefits of healthy nature; and
  • solutions to protect the environment such as minimizing pollution, recycling and conserving water.

Sessions like these increase a sense of responsibility, confidence and empower learners to also become active citizens and take collective action to tackle environmental issues

The following pictures were taken during the awareness session at Mzoxolo Primary School

Feature image caption: Two GRDM Disaster Management Interns unpacking the presentation for learners.

-ENDS-

28 July 2023 Media Release: Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

Media Release:  Oil spill sampling training and what you should know

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

A debriefing session was held by the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) after the December 2022 oil droplet pollution along the Garden Route beaches. It was noted that there is a need for formal accredited training on correct oil pollution sampling procedures. The South African Maritime Safety Authority​ (SAMSA) managed to obtain the services of Mr Conor Bolas from International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to present this training.

On Wednesday, 26 July 2023, this training was presented via an on-line platform from their London Offices to more than 130 officials. ITOPF is a non-profit organisation that represents ship owners around the world and endorses a precise and operational response of oil spills, chemical spills, and any other hazardous substance spills in the marine environment.

In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land. Dr Bolas explained how the oil is broken down through a process called Chromatography; this process is a laboratory technique that separates a mixture into its original components. Once the oil has been tested, it is possible to know who is responsible for the oil spill based on the properties of the oil.

During the oil spill sampling training, valuable insights into best practices were received. The training, consisting of four sessions focused on Marine Spill Forensics.

Session 1 commenced with an introduction to ITOPF and the importance of sampling. The reasons for obtaining samples were thoroughly explained, and case studies were presented.

In session 2, Dr Bolas delved into understanding analysis, where a comprehensive overview of tests and standards was provided. To keep the session interactive, a quiz was conducted.

Session 3 covered potential complications and focused on sample considerations, including the required type, quantity, and quality. Additionally, other factors were explored such as laboratory capabilities, storage and shipping, oil weathering, legal aspects, and cost recovery.

Moving on to Session 4, various other factors were discussed, including the identification and monitoring of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), costs and compensation, taint testing, dispersants, wildfire and environmental monitoring. Emphasis was placed on sampling strategy, sample types, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

In summary, Dr Bolas extensively covered the following topics:

  • The key reasons for sampling.
  • How to conduct proper sampling.
  • Types of analysis performed.
  • Understanding chemical fingerprinting.
  • Complicating factors in sampling.
  • Choosing appropriate analytes and considering the effects of weathering on samples.
  • Considerations for HNS and other specific circumstances.
  • Environmental monitoring and sampling.

-END-

Feature image:  Image of oil in water

Did you know: 

An oil spill is when liquid petroleum hydrocarbon is released into the environment because of human behaviour, particularly in marine areas. In most cases spills occur within the ocean or coastal waters, however, they may also occur on land.

27 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

Media Release: Garden Route DM Council raises concerns about climate change

For Immediate Release
28 July 2023

This week at an Ordinary Council meeting hosted at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 July, the Council of GRDM expressed their concern about weather-related incidents. Evidence is becoming clearer of a changing climate, following persistent rain in the Garden Route during the past few months.

Garden Route has become used to the high rainfall during the winter months, however in the recent never-ending periods of rain (more is predicted), with few intermittent days of sunlight, or cloud cover hampering drying out of soil and surfaces these conditions have changed the Garden Route’s landscape with diverse impacts on the agricultural, construction and commercial business sectors, as well as the urban and rural communities dependent on their normal functioning.

Rainfall figures were not exceedingly high throughout the past few months, but the constant floods and the fact that the wet region never had time to shed the water and properly dry out, damaged tarred roads and caused gravel roads to gradually become impassable. Furthermore, the erven of township dwellers with little ground cover, were completely wet for weeks on end.

Farmers on the coastal plateau perhaps suffered the most as productive dairy cows and livestock developed a variety of diseases because of the constantly muddy and wet underfoot conditions.  These cows had to be slaughtered as there is not enough time between rainy periods to recover and with many remain in a doubtful state of health.

GRDM Councillors stressed the need for regional preparedness in dealing with a changing climate, and how to be better prepared for out of the ordinary climate events.  Council also suggested that academic institutions such as universities should be requested for input and guidance, and from what avenues to obtain funding from, for invasive alien plant management and the upkeep of storm water systems. These funds should be sourced from national government where possible.

All this comes at a time when Europe and North America suffers the highest temperatures on record with thousands dying as the air becomes unbreathable and the constant heat unbearable. With this, the United Nations are expressing serious concerns and insisting actions, to dramatically reduce the burning of fossil fuels and that climate change inaction is unacceptable.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) recently co- hosted the Annual Climate Change and Environment Management Indaba with the Nelson Mandela University at the George campus. At the event, experts agreed that the Garden Route is a disaster-prone region, and that more planning needs to be in place even as predictions are that the region is heading to a drier period as the El Nino weather pattern will take effect later this year.

Article by: Cobus Meiring

11 July 2023 Public Notice: GRDM appoints AK Consultants to supply and deliver diesel-powered generators

Public Notice

11 July 2023

GRDM appoints AK Consultants to supply and deliver diesel-powered generators

After following a competitive bidding process the Garden Route District Municipality appointed AK Consultants to supply and deliver five (5) mobile 100 KVA diesel powered generators to be used as back-up units during the current energy crisis.

These units will be placed at Garden Route District Municipal offices in the district.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit stel AK Konsultante aan om diesel kragopwekkers te verskaf

Nadat ‘n mededingende bodproses gevolg is, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit AK Consultants aangestel om vyf (5) mobiele 100 KVA diesel-aangedrewe kragopwekkers te verskaf, wat as rugsteuneenhede gebruik sal word tydens beurtkrag.

Die eenhede sal by Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaleit se kantore, regoor die streek, geplaas word.

UMasipala Wesithili iGarden Route  uchonge inkampani i-AK Consultants ukuba babonelele kwaye inikezele ngeejenereyitha ezisebenza ngedizili

Emva kokulandela inkqubo ekhuphisanayo nemigaqo yezibophelelo uMasipala weSithili seGarden Route uchonge inkampani i-A K Consultants ukuba ibonelele kwaye inikezele ngeejenereyitha ezintlanu ezisebenza ngedizili eziyi-100 KVA eziza kusetyenziswa njengeeyunithi zokuxhasa ngexesha lobunzima bombane obukhoyo.

Ezi yunithi ziya kubekwa kwii-ofisi zikaMasipala weSithili saseGarden Route kwisithili ukuze zifumaneke zincedise njengamacandelo ombane axhasayo kwimeko kaxakeka.

 MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Notice number: 96/2023

Download the official notice here.

26 June 2023 Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for government

Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for Government

For Immediate Release
26 June 2023

“The still rising Cholera death toll in Gauteng and elsewhere in the interior should serve as a rude awakening for Local Governments as well as the communities they serve. In order for all to enjoy essential necessities such as clean running water and health, we need to refocus our attention on better managing our natural resources and fixing and maintaining the basics before we even consider anything else”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and Councillor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on the eve of the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba at the Nelson Mandela University.

Whilst the impact of a changing climate and rainfall patterns is complicated and threatens drought and hardship for the unprepared, the management of our natural resources is not difficult at all if the collective, and especially Local Governments, apply their minds, resources, and efforts. As an example, raw sewerage spewing from moribund waste water works countrywide has changed the river ecology and water quality of the Vaal and Olifants and almost all other river systems and estuaries in South Africa to levels that will be difficult to recover from. This has significant consequences for the quality of life of our citizens and South Africa’s food security.

A government can rightly be judged by the way it takes care of its precious natural resources, and water is by far the most important. The management of sewerage water is not a sexy subject, but by ignoring the functioning and maintenance of sewerage treatment plants at local municipalities they allowed the first domino to fall towards excessive misery and deprivation for communities already suffering from economic hardship and poverty.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and unfortunate disasters such as the Cholera outbreak will force authorities back to managing the basics. Similarly, the multimillion-Rand fine recently imposed on the Standerton Municipality by the Blue Scorpions for allowing raw sewerage to flow into the Vaal River may well be a turning point in an otherwise downward spiral.

Another promising example of potential environmental prosperity is the billions of Rand being made available by the Western world to assist South Africa in its transition to clean energy presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Africa to become a global leader in environmental management and at the same time allowing the country to prepare for what the changing climate will be throwing at us.

Inquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Feature image: Little hope the Vaal River’s sewage pollution crisis will end any time soon (Picture: Nneka Nwogwugwu).

Editor’s note: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a Climate Change think- tank and public platform for environmental managers and conservation entities in the Southern Cape.

ENDS