Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat
For immediate release 13 January 2025
“Thousands of tourists from all over the world flocked to the Garden Route over the 24/25 holiday season to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, and in doing so, they make a vital contribution to the regional economy,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Garden Route regional and local government and conservation bodies consistently go to great lengths to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure a well- managed environment for all to enjoy. These efforts do come at a cost for those responsible for managing the environment, but the return on investment is high and the jobs created through the tourism sector is vital to the quality of life for all those living in the region.
Easily accessible clean and safe beaches, several world class nature reserves, hiking trails through forests and mountains, picnic spots, restaurants and high standard accommodation options – all contribute to the Garden Route value proposition for tourists.
Unfortunately during the festive season, the Garden Route suffered from increasingly frequent wild fires which kept authorities busy in actively fighting and monitoring several wild fires scattered all over the region. This ever- present threat will only increase as summer temperatures are set to rise to record highs in 2025.
The devastating fires presently raging through Los Angeles is a stark reminder to Garden Route residents who experienced the Knysna wildfire disaster back in June 2017. Fact is that, as climate change shows its teeth, the danger of regional wild fire disasters are clear and present and on the increase, and in many respects, there are correlations between the factors which contributed to the ferocity of the LA and Knysna wildfire disasters.
Garden Route regional authorities and professional firefighting entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (FPA), are better prepared than ever to prevent and manage wildfires. Despite best efforts and equipment, the Los Angeles disaster showed that when nature unleashes its full fury, nothing will stop it from destroying everything in its path.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank (www.grefscli.co.za)
Photo: The scenic Garden Route is a major draw card for thousands of tourists and makes an invaluable contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.
Media Release: GRDM Fire & Rescue Services had a Busy Fire Season So Far
10 January 2025
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY HOLIDAY FIRE SEASON: 01 December 2024 to 05 January 2025
It has been an exceptionally demanding holiday season for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Service, as the summer sun intensified, and the annual wild-and-veld fire season commenced on 01 December and officially ends on 30 April.
Fires in the Garden Route district, renowned for their picturesque landscapes, often threaten the environment as well as residents and infrastructural safety. The GRDM team responded to a total of 17 fire emergency incidents across the district, with the majority involving vegetation fires in areas such as Melkhoutfontein and Jongensfontein near Still Bay, Korinterivier in Riversdale, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountains in the northern parts of George.
Through coordinated efforts, including rapid response, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local communities, farmer organisations and other fire management agencies, the team continues to mitigate risks and manage the impacts of these fires.
A few pictures captured during the recent wildfire operations in Hessequa and Oudtshoorn.
From 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services, were inundated with veld and mountain fire incidents, better known as wildfires.
A total of 17 veld and mountain fire incidents were attended to, with eight (8) of these fires escalating to extended wildfires, with the Jongensfontein, Hessequa wildfire extending to 14 days, the Melkhoutfontein Fire extending to 18 days, including several ‘flare-ups’, the Swartberg Mountain Fires extending to 15 days, and the Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountain wildfires extending over 5 days respectively.
Additionally, the GRDM substation in Ladismith responded to seven (7) veld fires, including a dump site fire.
The wildfires in the Hessequa Municipal area were extremely challenging, due to the type of terrain, access limitations, including the very difficult to manoeuvre coastal dunes, and excessively overgrown and old vegetation type, including Acacia Cyclops (the famous Rooikrans and / or Rooiputjie), as well as Fynbos, including the Metalasia muricata (Blombos) vegetation types.
The Swarberg Mountains presented very challenging terrain, for both vehicles and ground teams, especially due to the rugged and steepness of the terrain, exacerbated by various hills, gorges and valleys. This necessitated trooping in ground crews, a total of 54 trooped in at one stage, to ensure more effective firefighting operations, walking up these mountains were timeous and straining.
A total of 23 Municipal firefighters, including GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, as well as 08 Garden Route Volunteer Fire Members, with 4 bakkie units, and daily, either a three (3) or four (4) team response from the Working on Fire Program, consisting of average 20 members mitigated the Hessequa Fires on peak days. Additionally, local farmers assisted with a bulldozer, and tractors. The Hessequa Municipality assisted with JCBs and a bulldozer, mainly constructing fuel and fire breaks, either in attempts to stop fire spread or preparing counter burn breaks.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel visited the Oudtshoorn Municipal area, commending firefighters who have been tirelessly working around the clock to protect lives and infrastructure.
One of GRDM’s dedicated firefighters hard at work during mopping-up operations.
For the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountain fires, CapeNature provided additional ground teams to assist with groundwork, having several ‘stick’ teams, ranging between 08 – 12 members, and ranging between 2 and 4 teams.
Calculated burnscars for some of the largest fires to date include,
Swartberg Mountain (Oudtshoorn): 15 251 hectares
Melkhoutfontein (Hessequa): 1346 hectares
Jongensfontein (Hessequa): 300 hectares
Korinterivier (Hessequa): 562 hectares
Kammanassie (George): 437 hectares
Buffelsdrift (George): 700 hectares
Herbertsdale (Mossel Bay): 30 hectares
A total of 48 aerial firefighting hours were utilised to date, including a combination of resources, i.e. bomber planes, spotter planes and helicopter.
Despite rapid initial attacks through the activation of aerial firefighting resources, early and precise detection of fires remains an area requiring continuous improvement. Several simultaneous lightning strikes, often occurring just before sundown, present significant challenges. These incidents limit the immediate activation of aerial firefighting resources and frequently result in fires intensifying during hot and humid evenings. This necessitates the strategic deployment of aerial resources in the days that follow. Addressing these challenges will require innovative measures and strategies moving forward.
Firebreak compliance and the prevalence of excessive alien invasive plants (essentially accumulative fuel loads that drive wildfires), remain significant challenges. However, efforts are underway to strengthen compliance measures in the future. Counter-burning (fighting fire with fire) emerged as a key and strategic firefighting tactic, particularly for managing coastal fires. Ultimately, this approach proved highly effective and will continue to be a preferred tactic in future firefighting efforts.
The deployment of firefighters on the ground, alongside aerial suppression, is a vital reinforcement given the combination of challenging topography, limited access, and high fuel loads. Heli-tack crews (firefighters who are part of helicopter-based initial attack teams) are a highly desirable solution for rapidly suppressing fires in their incipient stages, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain.
A coordinated and collaborative response approach remain the most ideal manner in combatting wildfires, and major incidents, which include landowners, local authorities, including local (structure protection) and the district municipalities, Working on Fire, the Fire Protection Association and trained disaster management and firefighting volunteer groups.
As mentioned before, the December holiday period proved extremely challenging due to multiple wildfires. However, resources were coordinated effectively, allowing us to address all the reported incidents. Notably, the success achieved during this period includes the preservation of lives—no lives were lost—and the protection of property, with no structures destroyed.
It is highly recommended that landowners, on whose land these fires occurred, innovatively utilise these burned areas for sound environmental rehabilitation and management of especially alien invasive plant species and constructing of fire breaks.
To report wildfires, call 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00
13 December 2024
Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on today, 13 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025 at 07:30. All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The number 044 805 5071 can be contacted at all hours for such services.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Media Statement: Investigation Concludes on alleged Foodborne Illness Incident Involving Schoolchildren
13 December 2024
“The Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have concluded their investigation into the reported illness of schoolchildren on 18 November 2024 in Mossel Bay,” said Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.
The GRDM previously reported about the children were reported to have fallen ill after consuming chips purchased from local spaza shops and vendors near their school.
The mandate of GRDM is to send similar batches of chips packets for testing to the National Health Laboratory Service – Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, to screen for potential contamination. Whereas the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is to send the actual foreign objects found in the food packaging for testing.
“Testing a specific batch of a product is crucial for pinpointing contamination or irregularities linked to a particular production or handling period. This process ensures traceability and prevents inaccurate generalizations about a product’s safety,” said Stroebel
“According to the laboratory test results, the toxicology analysis confirmed that no traces of toxic chemicals were present in any of the batches of chips.”
“The EHPs have concluded that there is no evidence that the chips were cause of the illness of the children,” said Stroebel.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), however, is busy conducting testing on substances found as part of their ongoing investigation.
To report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control. jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo. desmond@gardenroute.gov.za; 044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530; 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn.
Western Cape Government Urges Responsible Behaviour on Province’s Roads
For immediate release 12 December 2024
As the festive season gains momentum, the Western Cape Government calls on all road users to prioritise safety. Between 25 November and 8 December 2024, 114 arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol, and tragically, 33 pedestrians lost their lives on the province’s roads. These numbers are a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in ensuring safer journeys for everyone.
With schools closed and a long weekend approaching, increased traffic is expected as residents and visitors travel to their holiday destinations.
Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, emphasised the importance of vigilance on the roads, “This festive season, we urge every road user to make safety their top priority. Whether you are driving, walking, or cycling, your actions can save lives. Our traffic officers are fully mobilised and will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to offenders. Let us work together to make this a festive season one to remember for all the right reasons.”
To ensure safe travel, the Western Cape Mobility Department has the following tips:
For Drivers:
Plan ahead: If you intend to consume alcohol, arrange for alternative transport or a sober driver. Even one drink can impair judgment.
Vehicle safety: Check your vehicle’s roadworthiness before travelling. Ensure tyres are correctly inflated, lights, indicators, wipers, and brakes are in good working order.
Obey speed limits: Drive within the speed limit and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
Be patient: Anticipate congestion on popular routes and avoid risky overtaking maneuvers.
Stay alert: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, especially on long journeys.
For Pedestrians:
Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor visibility.
Avoid walking under the influence: Alcohol impairs your ability to judge distances and speeds, making walking near roads dangerous.
Use safe routes: Stick to pavements and marked pedestrian crossings whenever possible.
Provincial Traffic Officers will be conducting extensive patrols and roadblocks throughout the province. Stringent action will be taken against those found speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in reckless behaviour.
Let us all commit to ensuring that celebrations are marked by joy, not tragedy. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
-ENDS-
MEDIA QUERIES: Muneera Allie Western Cape Mobility Department – Head of Communication Muneera.Allie@westerncape.gov.za 083 755 3213
GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George
For immediate release 12 December 2024
The Garden Route District’s coastline is seen as one of its greatest natural and economic assets. “To date, however, development along the coastline have in some instances affected the free and equitable coastal access for all,” says Dr Nina Viljoen, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head of Environmental Management.
Facilitators, speakers and representatives at the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George.
Although the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 stipulates that South Africa’s citizens are the rightful owners of coastal public property, with the state serving as its public trustee, Dr Viljoen said that the region is experiencing significant challenges relating to the equitable access to the coast, alongside wide-scale access restrictions.
To discuss and address these challenges, the GRDM in collaboration with government and municipal stakeholders hosted a Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop that was held at the Conference Hall of the George Local Municipality on 10 December 2024. In attendance were also activists, community representatives and fishers who participated in the discussions.
Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard: GRDM Portfolio Chairperson: Community Services.
Ms Nenekazi Jukuda, Control Environment Officer at the DFFE.
Dr Tshepiso Monnakgotla: Town and Regional Planner at DFFE.
Mr Ryan Apolles, Specialised Environmental Officer at DEAP&DP.
Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head of Environmental Management.
The purpose of the workshop was to engage stakeholders regarding conflict between various groups in respect of equal access to the coast. For that reason, the platform allowed stakeholders and all present to discuss these pressing issues and advocate for Government and relevant municipalities to intervene in the entire process. This interactive workshop furthermore enabled Government departments to share valuable legislative information to representatives pertaining to the understanding of the rights in terms of access for all to coastal spaces.
In his welcoming address to the delegates who attended the event, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, expressed his gratitude to all present saying that the Garden Route District’s coastline has great value and importance as a natural resource for all coastal users.
Hoogbaard highlighted that the beauty of the coastline is driving local livelihoods, the tourism economy, and it provides for diverse social recreational activities. In addition, Hoogbaard stressed that although much of the wealth is locked up in the Garden Route coast, it is however wasted due to environmentally insensitive development and poor decision making. It is for this reason that the economic and social opportunities are being missed, coastal ecosystems are being degraded and people’s property and lives are being put at risk”.
In conclusion, Hoogbaard mentioned that the GRDM therefore recognises that “we need to ensure that the sharing of benefits derived from our resource rich coastal area is managed and protected to serve the best interest of all coastal users, without compromising the ability of future generations to access these benefits”.
Coastal resources include livelihood and food resources, as well as recreational and tourism resources, and the lack of access to these resources can disrupt local coastal communities who rely on the ocean and coasts for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and well-being. These cultural practices and not having access to spiritual spaces were vastly raised by activists at the event. At the same time, it must be recognised that coastal ecosystems are sensitive and dynamic spaces, and that its on-going functionality is central to livelihoods and prosperity. Access to the coast and its resources must therefore be optimised without negatively impacting on the natural coastal environment.
Participants of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop at the event held on 10 December 2024 in George.
Dr Vijoen said that the coastal access legislation and provisions are to be implemented in very complicated and challenging situations, but she admits that to address this, communication and agreements between the involved parties are essential. In many cases, the problem of a lack of knowledge of the applicable Legislation seems to be the cause of some challenges. After raising these concerns, GRDM’s Siphelele Sithole presented the GRDM’s campaign model to educate estate agents and property developers about the relevant legislation in terms of the equal access for all citizens to the coastline. Dr Viljoen in addition provided feedback regarding the public participation process and explained that all comments and submissions received during the 2nd public participation period of the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. These comments will have to be considered for inclusion in the final version of the document. Viljoen ensured representatives that it might take a lengthy period to process, but the correct processes need to be followed to ensure the desired results.
Ryan Apolles, Specialised Environmental Officer at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, shared information regarding how coastal access processes are facilitated and supported by the Western Cape Government, as DEA&DP is the lead provincial agency for coastal management in the Western Cape. Apolles stated that while coastal access provision is a municipal decision, the Department is a key role-player in building commitment and providing guidance and support to municipalities to allow them to effectively facilitate, implement, maintain and monitor coastal access. He ensured DEA&DP’s support in respect of the entire process.
Corporal Johannes Matabata, from the South African National Parks (SANParks), shared insightful information with fishermen, more specifically regarding fishing activities, permits and where to apply for permits to name a few.
During his presentation, Richard Botha, former Rescue Manager of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMS) and newly appointed as Provincial EMS Coordinator, shared insightful Coastal Access Safety and Awareness information to fishers present, and which are also relevant to the public. He advised fishers that identification is key to their safety while fishing, stating that hazards must be identified when a site is occupied for fishing purposes. He further presented a map indicating various danger spots of fisher-related incidents that the EMS continuously are called out to and advised that various safety aspects must be taken into consideration when planning to go fishing.
Botha also raised the aspect of the importance of self-rescue and shared practical examples to prevent drownings while fishing and he, on behalf of EMS, offered to continue conducting Awareness sessions on Coastal Safety specifically aimed at the safety of fishers. In conclusion he said: “We want to come out and rescue a person and not to conduct a search operation”. In terms of coastal access, he said: “As EMS, we do not experience problems entering the coast, however when it becomes a problem, we consult coastal property owners for easy access to particularly safe lives”.
Although activists question the credibility of processes conducted by Government in terms of equal coastal access for all, the fishing community expect government to provide feedback on the progress of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team, the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme, as well as feedback based on their concerns.
This workshop was hosted by the GRDM in collaboration with the Department Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape DEA&DP, George Local Municipality; Metro EMS and the South African National Parks and was highly welcomed by the fisher representatives, activists and members of the public.
Did you know?
As fishers and the public, the following tips can save you from severe incidents while fishing on the coast:
Checking the weather
Wearing of proper gear, e.g. non-slip footwear
Fishing with a buddy
Have a first aid kit at hand
Check the area for the stability of rocks
Be aware of tides and swell
Avoid standing on the edge of rocks
Secure your gear
Watch for marine hazards, e.g. moss can make rocks extremely slippery
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape for damaging winds.
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.”
SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE Cape Town Weather Office 2nd Floor: Oval Office Park Cape Town Int airport Freight Road Matroosfontein Cape Town
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality ready for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season
10 December 2024
Last week, on 5–6 December 2024, the National Fire Services Indaba took place at the King George Hotel in George. Fire service delegates from across South Africa gathered under the theme, “Strengthening Fire Services and Building Resilient Communities Across South Africa.” This event brought together industry experts to discuss critical fire-related topics, share best practices, and foster collaboration, all aimed at enhancing fire services and community resilience nationwide.
On the first day of the event, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, one of the guest speakers, launched and affirmed GRDM’s readiness for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season to the media, fire services, and dignitaries present.
The GRDM, in collaboration with its stakeholders, declared its readiness for the fire season, highlighting its commitment to protecting communities, property, and the environment from the threat of wildfires.
Elevated Risks During the Summer Season
The fire season, spanning the Summer months until March, brings heightened risks of veld and mountain fires due to rising temperatures, climatic conditions like lightning strikes, and human-related causes. Mayor Andrew Stroebel emphasized that while wildfires can occur year-round, this period demands increased vigilance and proactive measures.
Collaboration: Fire Is Everyone’s Fight
Acknowledging that effective fire management requires a collective effort, GRDM extends its gratitude to its Integrated Fire Management partners, including:
The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association
CapeNature
SANParks
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
PG Bison Forestry and Mountain-to-Ocean Forestry
Working on Fire
Local municipalities of Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland
“Their dedication to fire prevention and suppression is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Mayor Stroebel stated.
He also highlighted the critical role of farmers, landowners, and residents in fire prevention and early detection. “Together, we must remain vigilant and proactive, especially with the increased temperatures predicted this season,” he added.
Strengthened Resources and Capacity
To enhance its firefighting capabilities, GRDM has appointed 20 temporarily seasonal firefighters to support its three fire stations across the district. The newly established regional fire station, strategically located along the N2, operates 24/7 with international standard facilities, ensuring rapid and effective responses to emergencies.
Aerial firefighting services, provided by Kishugu-WoF and Savannah Helicopters, will play a pivotal role in containing fires swiftly, supported by the Western Cape Government and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Additionally, GRDM’s Disaster Management Centre remains fully operational, managing over 25,000 emergency calls per month through its Joint Operational Command and advanced communication systems.
Featured Image Caption: GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, alongside GRDM firefighters proudly dressed in blue.
A Call for Vigilance
As the festive season approaches, GRDM urges residents, visitors, and all emergency authorities to prioritize safety and remain vigilant. “Protecting our communities, environment, and economy from wildfires requires collective responsibility,” Mayor Stroebel emphasized.
In closure Mayor Stroebel expressed gratitude to the residents of the Garden Route, for their ongoing vigilance and cooperation. “Your role in safeguarding our district is invaluable, and together with our stakeholders, we are here to support you every step of the way,” he said.
To visitors, the Mayor extended a warm welcome: “The Garden Route is a place of unparalleled beauty and vibrant communities. We are committed to ensuring your safety as you enjoy our region.”
GRDM calls on everyone to celebrate responsibly, cherish the environment, and stay alert to potential hazards during the festive season. “Together, we can protect this treasure we call home, ensuring it remains safe and thriving for generations to come,” the Mayor Stroebel concluded.
Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00
10 December 2024
Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025 at 07:30. All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The number 044 805 5071 can be contacted at all hours for such services.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities
10 December 2024
During the week of 2–6 December 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) facilitated Chemicals and Waste Management training sessions for officials from local municipalities across the district.
The refresher training sessions, presented by DFFE, were extended to municipal officials across various roles. They focused on critical aspects such as legislation, policies, standards, regulations, and education & awareness in waste management. Participants included waste section officials, drivers, landfill operators, team leaders, LED officials, street sweepers, portfolio councillors, and recyclers within specific local municipalities.
“Waste management is a local government function, and it is crucial to refresh everyone’s knowledge on an ongoing basis of the best practices and trends.” The training aims to empower all stakeholders to improve waste management practices effectively in their communities, “ said GRDM Waste Management official Innocentia Sikweyiya.
While this week’s sessions focused on coastal municipalities, the inland local municipalities are scheduled to undergo similar training in 2025, ensuring that the entire district benefits from this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.
