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15 May 2020 Call for donations

Dear Members of the Public,

Don’t throw away old televisions and unused boardgames – donate it instead.

The management of sites housing homeless members from the Garden Route region kindly request members of the public to donate board games, chess sets and/or used televisions to the less fortunate.

To arrange for collection, contact Tippie Bouwer (Garden District Municipality official), Mon – Fri from 07:30 till 16:30.

E-mail: tippie@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 083 941 0885

15 May 2020 GRDM Disaster Management officials placed at municipalities to assist with disaster management

Press Release

For Immediate Release

15 May 2020

Disaster Management officials employed at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have been, since 2 March 2020, placed at local municipalities in the Garden Route to render a full basket of services related to the Disaster Management function.

Both officers were appointed in November 2019 to predominantly focus on the strategic mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery of all disasters that the district is faced with. They both also hold an Honours Degree BBA in Disaster Management from the satellite campus of the Stenden University based in Port Alfred. For the first three months, they received in-house training from the Head of the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre, Mr Gerhard Otto, before moving to local municipalities.  Ms Lee-Ann Joubert is stationed at the Bitou and Knysna municipalities and Ms Martina MacDonald at Hessequa and Mossel Bay municipalities.  Apart from the broad services they render at these municipalities, the coordination of COVID-19 related activities and the reporting thereof now also form part of their function after the pandemic has been declared a national disaster.

Given their expertise and experience in the field, their daily tasks include the regular updating of Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) documents and the Disaster Management Plan (DMP).   A DRA is one of the first steps in planning an effective risk reduction programme. It examines the likelihood and possible outcomes of expected disaster events. This assessment contributes directly to effective decision making, planning and control. Stemming from the DRA, is the DMP, which is a planning guideline for all internal, as well as external stakeholders, advising them on their roles and responsibilities throughout the Disaster Management field. It is the basis to establish procedures and ensure maximum and efficient utilisation of resources and minimise the loss of life and/or injury. The documents have to be updated regularly, as the information needs to be integrated into the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of local municipalities. Also forming part of their function, is to further address any gaps that the DRA and DMP might pose relating to the  effectiveness of the assessment and plan.

Since March 2020, these officials predominantly took part in the COVID-19 District Command Centre (DCC) meetings, the Joint Operation Centres (JOCs) at the respective municipalities, as well as Mayoral District Command Forums.  All these activities relate to the assistance and provision of support to local municipalities. Finer details include: ensuring that essential role-players form part of the JOC operations, administration, the coordination of support where required at the JOCs and to relay essential and disaster related information between various stakeholders through these relevant platforms.

From a broad perspective the roles of the officials are to assist where assistance from the District Disaster Management Centre is required, as well as to ensure that the local municipalities cooperate with regulations and directives from provincial and national government, to relay information throughout all processes and to escalate any enquiries and challenges that might derive from the local JOCs. And, even when the Covid-19 pandemic comes to an end, these municipalities will still be their permanent base of where they will work and report from.

15 May 2020 Covid-19 positive – communities to be supportive

Community transmission of Covid-19 is now well established in the Western Cape, which means that many people will be infected. However, it must also be noted that about 80 – 90% of people who contract Covid-19, will be able to recover without hospitalisation.

When facing a threat on a global scale, such as Covid-19, it is normal to feel anxious, scared, confused, and overwhelmed. Even more so with the overload of information available and our numbers of positive cases increasing.

It is normal to feel alone and frustrated. However, by limiting your exposure to other people, you can protect your family and yourself. If you must leave the house ONLY to go to work or essential shopping, wear a cloth mask, do not touch your face, stay 1,5 m away from others, and wash your hands often. We should try to avoid all physical contact with other people so that we can limit our chances of becoming infected or infecting others. If we do have contact, we should ALWAYS observe a distance and hygiene practice.

However, this does not mean we should be unkind to others and not offer to help our friends and neighbours. It is important that we stand together and that we support each other, especially our neighbours and friends who have tested positive for Covid-19.

Anyone can be infected with Covid-19 and anyone can carry the virus, even without showing symptoms. The Coronavirus does not discriminate between age, gender, race, or disability. However, not everyone is at the same risk of becoming very ill. Vulnerable people have a higher risk.

This is why it is so important that we take all the precautions we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from Covid-19. People who are especially vulnerable are those with underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, TB, and HIV.

 When someone in my community or neighbourhood tests positive

Please remember that there is no shame in being referred for testing or testing positive. Also remember most people will recover after a mild illness. Covid-19 does not discriminate, and anyone can be infected.  Communities need to support those who have tested positive.

It is normal to feel scared, anxious, confused and even panic because of the virus and what we don’t know. But these feelings should not make you discriminate against someone who has tested positive.

We should not stigmatise people who have tested positive. We must offer our support. Although you should avoid physical contact, you can support them by messaging or calling to ask how they are doing. As they and the rest of their household will be in isolation, you can offer to help by buying food or medication and dropping it off at their door.

Remember, we are in this together and must support each other.

 Health risk due to social stigmatisation

When someone who tested positive for Covid-19 feels scared or threatened by their community or neighbourhood, they might hide their illness to avoid discrimination. This can result in them not seeking healthcare, which can lead to their condition deteriorating and eventually spreading the virus to others. Remember, it is a difficult time for the infected or affected people and they need compassion, love, and support.

Instead of stigmatising or discriminating, you can offer to help them.

 

-END-

 

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846

11 May 2020 Media Release: New Regulations for Accommodation Establishments

Media Release: New Regulations for Accommodation Establishments

For Immediate Release
11 May 2020

With the 1 May 2020 commencement of the Alert Level 4 restrictions which forms part of national government’s Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, changes were made to the requirements for accommodation establishments, especially where the housing of essential service workers are concerned.

According to the Disaster Management Regulations published on 29 April 2020 (“Alert Level 4 Regulations”), accommodation services are allowed as an essential or permitted service for the following purposes:

  • quarantine and isolation;
  • essential services workers; or
  • confinement of remaining tourists.

However, if an establishment provides accommodation services to essential workers or any service other than isolation or quarantine, permission has to be obtain from the Department of Tourism. Contact persons for permission include the following people: Mr Paul Mamola (pmasemola@tourism.gov.za) or Mr Keetso Makumbe (kmakume@tourism.gov.za).

The following information needs to accompany an application for the housing of people working in essential services:

  • The name of the company seeking accommodation (employer of essential services workers) with contact details;
  • Names and surnames (ID copies) of the essential workers who seek accommodation;
  • Expected dates of check-ins and check-outs; and
  • In case of accommodation request by South African Police Services (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), no need for submission of information in bullet 2 (the approval from the Minister of Tourism will be suffice for SAPS).

Although the Bizportal (https://www.bizportal.gov.za/essential_service.aspx) was updated on 1 May 2020 to include accommodation services, this is NOT necessary as per the above. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Certificates are not compulsory, and in the case of accommodation establishments rendering services to essential workers, the relevant documentation needed serves as permission from the Department of Tourism.

In cases of housing guests attending a funeral no permission is required. The guests do however need to provide the accommodation services with a letter proving that they are attending a funeral and therefore had permission to travel, whereupon accommodation will be provided.

Here is some of the most common questions with answers regarding this topic:

Q: If I have essential and permitted services workers in my accommodation and have had for a while, do I need to apply to the National Department of Tourism (NDT) for permission to operate?

A: It would indeed be necessary to regulate your accommodation services by applying to NDT for permission to operate. This is essential as it ensures a list of all essential services workers that are in accommodation for tracking purposes if there is a need to find them. Permission can be obtained by contacting the Department of Tourism (Mr Paul Mamola – pmasemola@tourism.gov.za or Mr Keetso Makumbe – kmakume@tourism.gov.za for any further guidance.

Therefore ALL accommodation establishments on the booking portal and going forward MUST request permission from NDT to house essential services workers.  Are you able to contact all establishments on your booking portal to advise of the above new process that came into play?

Q: What happens if a person travelling for an emergency need to find accommodation?

A: The best solution would be to find an accommodation offering in the area that has permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism.  If you are unable to find such an establishment but an establishment without permission is prepared to take you in, they can apply immediately to NDT for permission.

Examples of emergencies can be a vehicle that broke down, or a family who is seeking accommodation close to a hospital where their close immediate family has been taken up and can’t drive back home, or a patient who has to travel far to get to see their specialist etc.

Q: Do I need a CPIC Certificate to operate as an accommodation offering for essential and permitted services workers?

A: You do not – What you need is permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism.  You will be required to provide proof that the workers are performing essential services, and will be required to submit all workers’ details, with their ID numbers, and occupancy dates.  Permission can be obtained by contacting the Department of Tourism (Mr Paul Mamola – pmasemola@tourism.gov.za or Mr Keetso Makumbe kmakume@tourism.gov.za).

Note this is not an essential services permit, but an approval from the Minister of Tourism, and will suffice for SAPS.

Please do not refer any accommodation establishment to the BIZ Portal for CIPC certification as it is not required. It was originally listed on the site again but I was advised that it was erroneous and that it will be removed.

These FAQ’s are also live under the travel FAQs on the website i.e. https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/faq/topics/travel-and-tourism/

Q: Do I need special permission to house guests attending a funeral?

 A: You do not. The guests are just to provide you with a letter proving that they are attending a funeral and therefore has permission to travel.

Please remember to direct any accommodation establishment wishing to list their property operational for the house of isolation cases and or, quarantine cases and or essential workers during the pandemic to the booking portal found on the following link: https://hsolutions.app/hcomm/public/covid19-booking – They’ll see the “register your establishment” link in the top right hand corner of the landing page.   This is also the same link to use to book accommodation.

All other accommodation queries can be sent to the Support Business Team via supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za. A dedicated team is available and ready to assist with tourism related matters.

7 May 2020 Media Release: Western Cape Business Survey Report – Garden Route Business Impact

Media Release: Western Cape Business Survey Report – Garden Route Business Impact

For Immediate Release
7 May 2020

To assist the Western Cape Government to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the business sector and to determine how government can best support businesses for planned recovery, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism within a week from the pronouncement of the Disaster Management Act and the first lockdown period activated, conducted a survey with businesses across the province to establish the extent of the impact of COVID-19 across all regions.

The survey was intended to reach out to businesses of all sizes across the metro and all five districts, in order to gather real-time economic insight. Provincial government, municipal forums and agencies, social media platforms, sector bodies and organised business partners were amongst the range of networks accessed as widely as possible to gain essential information. Within 10 days the study exceeded 2000 responses from across the Province and the survey closed on 14 April 2020 with 2150 respondents having participated.

In general terms, the survey asked businesses to reflect how they are affected, how they believe they will be affected, what business recovery support they need and what assistance they believe they require in building business continuity.  In each category of questions, responses were verified as complete and valid.  The survey covered not only SMMEs but a number of bigger businesses as well.

The focus areas / questions of the survey were as follow:

  • Single Site Business Response Distribution
  • Standardised Sector Distributions
  • Business Size by Employment
  • Number of Permanent Employees
  • Indicated turnover of respondents
  • Does your business export?
  • Have you identified new business opportunities as a result of the pandemic?
  • Have you had to source from different suppliers?
  • Has your business had to cancel any business contracts due the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Are you able to pay your most important business expenses?
  • FIRST biggest monthly expense – 2078 Respondents
  • Do you think you will be able to meet your FIRST biggest expense during the next 6 months
  • Perception on SECOND biggest expense during the next 6 months
  • Do you think you will be able to meet your SECOND biggest expense during the next 6 months
  • What business strategies are Businesses considering?
  • Have you informed your bank, shareholders and other important stakeholders regarding the impact of the pandemic on your business?
  • Have you communicated to your staff, to ensure adherence to the national protocols for the virus?
  • Have you informed your staff of the potential impact on them should the situation not return to normality soon?
  • How well informed do you feel you are regarding?
  • COVID-19 business-related information?
  • What have been your three primary sources of COVID-19 business-related information?
  • Have you implemented a Work-from-Home (WFH) arrangement at your business/enterprise?
  • Do you have a business continuity plan, and have you implemented it?
  • Are you aware of the www.supportbusiness.co.za website?
  • Are you interested in receiving tips and assistance with taking your business digital?

It was found that many of the businesses surveyed are dependent on domestic demand and only 10.6% of them export. The South African economy is expected to contract sharply. The Reserve Bank estimates that a contraction of 6.1% is likely, the IMF -5.8% and Moody’s -2.5%. Business for South Africa projects the economy could contract by a whopping 10%. Regardless of what the exact size of the contraction will be, it points to the fact that demand will be constrained, and many businesses are destined to experience challenges to remain operational.

Even though businesses face the same storm, it was evident from the survey that they are not all in the same boat.  It appeared that nearly 99% of firms are keeping their staff informed about the virus and are trying to make sure that they adhere to national protocols.  The three primary sources of COVID-19 business related information that businesses used to inform and enhance their thinking and decisions, have been; (1) News websites, such as News 24, Daily Maverick etc. (73%), (2) Television and radio (55%) and (3) Official Government Websites (41%).

The insights gained from analysing the business survey reveal several recommendations that could help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on business.

The recommendations are the following:

Both businesses and employees need support, urgently.

  • Many of the businesses surveyed are dependent on domestic demand. Although demand is, and probably will be constrained in the near future, support to stimulate demand is needed as businesses are challenged to remain operational. Particularly, businesses in the retail and trade, construction and general services sectors predict that they will generate no revenue over the lockdown period. A gradual lifting of lockdown restriction is needed;
  • With no revenue coming in, business needs assistance with wage and rental bills that are accruing;
  • Business needs assistance with operational cost buffers to address overheads and cashflow challenges;
  • Business requires government to consider municipal utilities and tax relief or reprieves (like interim concession on carbon tax, PAYE, etc.);
  • Business needs assistance to understand the implications and gain access to, support containment strategies around bridging finance and business continuity planning;
  • Similarly, business needs to understand the implications of selecting containment strategies like downscaling, wage reductions, retrenchments and business closure;
  • Businesses need to be encouraged to reach out to banks, shareholders and important stakeholders to learn what support may be available; businesses need to be informed about any opportunities that may exist in their sector;
  • Institutions like banks, insurance companies, business chambers, etc. need to give serious consideration to where they direct appropriate support and ‘put skin in the game’;
  • It is particularly important that businesses engage with their banks given that financial containment strategies have been identified. Support is required around issues like debt restructuring or reduce the cost of borrowing, reduction in bank fees, etc.;
  • Insurance companies to consider reducing excess amounts on insurance claims; Insurance companies have been less visible in announcing support to business than the banks have. There should be an exploration to see what can be offered; greater awareness (like that required for the banks), is needed;
  • Organised business formations like business chambers and sector forums to establish working groups on innovative ways where some sectors could increase their work-from-home segment of their operations, consider online processing and/or sales; and
  • Existing consumer behaviour (and delivery constraints) limit expanding online sales; however, there is an opportunity for consumer education by retailers for various LSM levels. Now is the time to educate South African customers to shift shopping

Workers need support with the ability to return to work and earn.

  • Easing and opening of sectors require lockdown restrictions to lift, i.e. essential needs to be redefined in an evolving manner.;
  • The provision of protective wear for all workers needs to be mandatory where any new sectors or industries can operate;
  • Workers need safe and sanitized public transport options; and
  • Workers need government support to consider minimizing short-time and retrenchments.

Government needs to protect jobs and drive recovery of the economy.

  • Government needs to consider financial and non-financial support interventions and measures to assist business and employees in the above areas highlighted;
  • Government needs to accelerate availability and applicability of support strategies, schemes, funding models and most importantly, access for business and workers (like secured access to UIF funding support); and
  • With more than 80% of respondents to the survey being SMMEs, dedicated support from government, for small business, is imperative. The survey shows that these SMMEs do not have financial buffers for an extended period of inactivity.

Greater awareness and access to information needs to increase.

  • Feedback to businesses via as many networks as possible on this ‘snapshot’ of the two-week real time window’ of the local economy;
  • Communication Initiatives are still not optimally reaching businesses and increased awareness of websites hosting business information and support available, needs to occur; and
  • Businesses need to be fed tips and be given assistance on how they could take their business digital.

From Western Cape Business Survey it became apparent that there is a significant role for everyone to play.  The intent is that Western Cape Government and its partners – municipalities, agencies, sector bodies, organised business and most importantly businesses that shared their experiences – utilises the real time information, to better understand the impact of this pandemic on our regional economy, but more importantly on business. The survey offers the opportunity to economic stakeholders to gain insight into enterprise, sectoral and municipal impact areas.

In the Garden Route district a decision was taken at the Garden Route District Business Economy and Tourism Cluster to promote local economic development by procuring products and services locally, as far as possible. Municipal LED units are also actively assisting small businesses with information and applications for available government assistance and funding.

We realize that Businesses and workers need to play its role to ensure business continuity and economic resilience of their entities.

Government and all its partners need to protect workers and stimulate a more resilient economy to emerge. To do this, government at all three spheres, should position and align its initiatives to ensure effective recovery support in the short, medium and long-term is activated.

Even though we have been thrust into a pandemic without too much time to prepare, it is encouraging to know that many businesses have been able to implement working-from-home arrangements.  We believe that recovery is possible, but only if we remain resilient and work together.

ENDS

Acknowledgements:

Western Cape Government

Issued by the Garden Route District Economic, Business and Tourism Cluster

5 May 2020 Media Release: Effects of the National Lockdown on Air Quality within the Garden Route District

Media Release: Effects of the National Lockdown on Air Quality within the Garden Route District

For Immediate Release
5 May 2020

The major outdoor (ambient) air pollution contributors in the Garden Route district include industrial activities, vehicle emissions and wood burning for household purposes. Due to the current lock-down, only around 20% of these industries have rendered essential services, while vehicle movement decreased by estimate of between 10 and 25%.

According to the World Health Organisation (2013), ambient air pollution, as annual PM2.5, accounted for 3.1 million deaths and around 3.1% of global disability-adjusted life years and the health effects includes respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, such as aggravation of asthma and respiratory symptoms.

The lockdown has resulted in a reduction of some air pollutants across the district, but not all pollutants react as immediate as others, for instance, carbon monoxide is known to remain in the atmosphere for a couple of years. It is however estimated that there is a 6% global reduction in carbon dioxide emissions due to countries partially shutting down their economies.

As the cooler winter months, approaches some domestic emissions may increase in the informal residential areas, for example, particulate emissions from woodstoves and fires that are used for household purposes. According to experts, economic recovery will receive priority after the lockdown, even if it is to the detriment of the environment. It is therefore vital that authorities involved in air quality management must continue to strive towards a reduction in emissions.

Air quality in George appears to indicate a general decreasing trend in air pollution between 1 March and 27 April 2020 as seen in figures one and two. These results have undergone quality assurance and are compared with time average concentration limits in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for each criteria pollutant to determine any exceedances or non-compliances with standards.

Demonstrates a decrease in SO2 levels in George, 6µg/m3 to 4µg/m3
Demonstrates a decrease in O3 levels in George, from 12µg/m3 to 2.5 µg/m3

During the development of the GRDM 3rd Generation Air Quality Management Plan, ambient air quality modelling was undertaken in most of the towns in the district. Emissions from industrial activities and traffic were estimated and modelled to identify any possible air quality hotspots for further monitoring. Below are images of dispersion modelling with an estimated 10% of the vehicle data count before the national lock down in Knysna Central Business District and ambient emission with only one listed activity in operation during the NLD in Oudtshoorn.

The impact of industrial activities and vehicle emission are estimated by making use of emission factors obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and modelled by making use of dispersion modelling software.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has developed a country-specific Air Quality Index (AQI) in line with best international practices to simplify the reporting of air quality to the general public. This data can be viewed live by the general public at www.saaqis.environment.gov.za. The AQI is derived from six (i.e. PM10, PM2.5, CO, O3, SO2 and NO2) criteria pollutants, for good air quality (scale 1) to hazardous (10) based on National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Currently, there are three Western Cape Government-owned ambient air quality monitoring stations located in the GRDM, viz. in Mossel Bay, George and Oudtshoorn. The George monitoring station reports live data to the South African Air Quality Information Systems (SAAQIS). The current status in terms of the AQI is one (1 = very good) in George, while for the entire country it is currently 3, which is also considered to be good.


According to satellite images below, obtained from (Copyright (c) 2020 Cameron Beccario 2020), there was a 48% reduction in ground level SO2 pollution on 22 April 2020, when compared with 28 April 2019. The same phenomenon occurred with PM10, which indicates a reduction of almost five times. This correlates well with international studies reported by the international media in respect of PM2,5 concentrations being four times lower than normally experienced in major polluted cities across the world.

Although there is a reduction in air pollution, the effect of air pollution is experienced over years. It is indeed so that the current improvement in air quality is too little over a short period of time to make a significant effect. However, people could again see clear skies over places where it was not possible for the last couple of years. The most valuable benefit therefore would be the awareness that flow from the visible improvement and the subsequent effect on people’s perceptions. The perceptions of affected communities is paramount for effective air quality management.

Reference:
World Health Organisation, Health effects of particulate matter, 2013. Accessed, 30 April 2020. http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/189051/Health-effects-of-particulate-matter-final-Eng.pdf

ENDS

Acknowledgements:

  • Western Cape Government, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Directorate: Air Quality Management)
  • Letabo Air Quality Specialists
  • South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) – http://saaqis.environment.gov.za/
  • Garden Route District Air Quality Unit
  • Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: Air Quality Management, Garden Route DM

Issued by the Garden Route District Command Centre

Media Queries: Herman Pieters
Senior Communicator
communications@gardenroute.gov.za

2 May 2020 Request for Quotations: Call for quotations for a walkthrough sanitising booth and sanitiser.

Request for Quotations: Call for quotations for a walkthrough sanitising booth and sanitiser

For Immediate Release
2 May 2020

Please submit quotations for below procurement to the following official:
tebello@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 082 887 1027

SPECIFICATIONS
Call for quotations for a walkthrough sanitising booth and sanitiser.

BACKGROUND

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Minimum:

1.1 BOOTH
• Walkthrough sanitising booth
• Utilisation of refillable tank for sanitiser
• The booth must operate automatically once someone enters the booth
• Automated sensors
• At least 4 directional spray nozzles to cover whole body
• Assembled/installed inside building
• The tenderer to provide training to the staff
• Picture of booth
• References of where current installation is in operation

1.2 SANITISER
• Sanitiser must consist of chemicals that kills 99.9% of the Corona-virus.
• Ready to use alcohol free sanitiser or diluted liquid
• 100% safe for human use (e.g. if it was to be inhaled)
• The tenderer must provide the necessary approvals/certification in terms of the Health and Safety Act, as well as any other applicable legislation (SABS, SANAS, World Health Organisation, etc.)

2. Add-ons: provide cost implication for each addition to basic booth:

2.1 BOOTH
• Solar power
• Turnstile conversion
• Temperature detector
• Camera
• Indicator or activation of an alarm to indicate the sanitiser is low and/or must be refilled
• Sounding alarm when individual is contaminated
• Ability to collapse, transport and assemble elsewhere

3. Additional information to be provided

• Booth dimensions
• Sanitiser tank capacity
• Pump capacity
• Flow-rate per nozzle, per hour
• Energy consumption (watt/hour)
• Contact time of individual in booth
• Time the sanitiser takes to kill the virus
• The average life-span of the booth/equipment
• Indicate the delivery period once an order has been submitted
• Indicate the price (installation, call-out fees for maintenance, travelling).
• The Tenderer will be responsible for the maintenance of the equipment

30 April 2020 Media Release: Eco-friendly ways of repurposing kitchen scraps and garden waste

Media Release: Eco-friendly ways of repurposing kitchen scraps and garden waste

For Immediate Release
30 April 2020

Garden Route residents, who have space in their gardens, are reminded that they can create their own compost with kitchen scraps and garden waste to add nutrients to their gardens during the lockdown. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recommends that residents keep their kitchen scraps in a plastic bucket with a lid. Once this bucket is full, add it to one of your preferred composting methods.

“The lockdown is the perfect opportunity for residents to start contributing to the environment by diverting their organic waste from landfill and putting the much needed nutrients back into the soil by means of composting,” said Morton Hubbe, GRDM Manager: Waste Management.

“Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus to fuel plant growth. It restores vitality to depleted soil – and it is great for the environment.”

COMPOSTING PROCESSES

There are three types of composting namely cold-, hot- and worm composting. Cold composting is as simple as collecting garden waste or taking out the organic materials in a bucket and then moving it over to a bin or pile where material will gradually decompose. Hot composting is for the more serious gardener, but is a much faster process and requires regular aeration and attention. Four ingredients are required for fast-cooking hot compost: nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and water. Together, these items feed microorganisms, which speeds up the process of decomposing. In worm composting (Vermi-composting), worms eat food scraps and release nitrogen-rich castings. Worms also produce “worm tea”, an excellent organic fertiliser which prevents some plant diseases, reduces insect infestation and promotes nitrogen fixation in soil. Only Red Worms (Eisenia fetida) can be used for this process. Worm composting is a perfect method for those residents who don’t have gardens or live in apartments to divert their kitchen scraps from landfill.

COMPOSTING BENEFITS

  • Soil conditioner – compost creates rich humus for a garden, which adds nutrients to plants and helps retain moisture in soil.
  • Recycling kitchen and garden waste – composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from garbage bins.
  • Reduce landfill waste – most landfills in the Garden Route district are already closed and the remaining ones are close to their maximum capacity. Diverting organic waste from a landfill site extends its lifespan and reduces transport costs and air pollution.
  • Beneficial organisms for soil – microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, breaks down organic material for plant use and wards off plant diseases.
  • Good for the environment – composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers.
  • Cost saving – no need to purchase compost or fertilizers.

WHAT TO COMPOST?

All compostable materials are either carbon (dry, brown items) or nitrogen-based (wet, green items), to varying degrees.

To create ideal conditions for composting, try to include roughly equal parts of both and mix the materials. A mix with more carbon-based materials will take longer to turn to compost, while a mix with more nitrogen based materials may generate odors.

The following are examples of carbon-based (brown) materials: dry / fallen leaves, shrub prunings, wood ash, cardboard, sawdust & wood chips (untreated wood), dry garden plants. Examples of nitrogen-based (green) materials include: fruit and vegetable scraps, green leaves, garden clippings, green plants, coffee grounds, tea leaves, manure.  Lastly, egg shells are an example of a neutral material and adds beneficial calcium to the soil.

Please refer to our home composting guideline for more information in this regard – download GRDM’s Home Composting Guideline for more details.

Remember that approximately 30% of all household waste being disposed of at landfill consists of organic waste. If residents change their behaviour, this can potentially be diverted from landfill by means of household composting.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

30 April 2020 Media Release: Community Screening and Testing well underway in Garden Route

Media Release: Community Screening and Testing well underway in Garden Route

For Immediate Release
30 April 2020

Community Screening and Testing well under way in Garden Route.

 In the fight against the coronavirus, Government has embarked on an active program through the COVID-19 Home Visits program to find people who might need help. As part of the COVID-19 Screening and Testing programme, the Western Cape Government Health will intensify its community screening and testing in the coming weeks.

More than 18 000 people have been screened and 75 referred for testing for COVID-19 in the Garden Route District since the start of the community screening and testing programme on 6 April 2020.

“We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the COVID-19 disease,” said Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, MEC for Health in Western Cape.

These community screening and testing outreaches are aimed at finding as many people as possible who might need help. Screening means that teams will go on door-to-door visits and ask a few questions and refer those who need to be tested to the correct site. The more people our teams can talk to (screen) the better chance we have at stopping the spread and in doing so, keep our vulnerable community members safe. The questions will mainly focus on whether or not a person has symptoms of illness at the moment (a sore throat, a cough or fever). These questions need to be answered honestly.

During the community screening and testing the support of the community is essential for the success in stopping the spread of the virus. Our health teams are identifiable by their badges and clothing/uniform and allow them to screen you.

If you are referred for testing, be assured these tests are safe. Testing for coronavirus is done by taking a swab in your nose. The results will become available in 2-3 days so please ensure you give your correct contact details to the health worker so they can contact you.

While you await your results, we ask that you please quarantine at home in a separate room, if possible. We appeal to people who need to quarantine to stay home and not have visitors. If you cannot quarantine at home, speak to the health worker who will advise on facilities that are available for isolation and quarantine.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue practicing the 5 Golden Rules of Good Hygiene and to wear a cloth mask. Remember the Golden rules of prevention: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home.

Statistics for Garden Route screening from 6 – 28 April 2020.

Bitou sub-district: 4252 people screened and 7 referred for testing

George sub-district: 5068 people screened and 29 referred for testing

Kannaland sub-district: 3039 people screened and 5 referred for testing

Mossel Bay sub-district: 6165 people screened and 63 referred for testing

What individuals must do:

  • Please welcome health workers when screening
  • Answer the questions honestly.
  • Remember the 5 Golden rules: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home
  • Please co-operate fully and support family for testing

What communities should do:

  • Please encourage people to be screened and tested
  • Look out for health workers who have official identification and branded clothing
  • Please support our health workers and keep them safe
  • Please help to keep communities clean and encourage good behaviour
  • Don’t be afraid of testing or potential sick people.
  • Please support the elderly and children

Note: community screening is not the only place where screening is possible. Other methods of screening for COVID-19 include:

  1. Self-assessment risk tool (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/sars-cov-2-risk-assessment-form)
  2. Any Primary Healthcare facility is able to conduct screening (please be sure to call ahead)
  3. There are a number of dedicated sites (Testing and Triage centres where screening can be done)

We appreciate the community’s continued support and ask them not to discriminate against COVID-19 survivors but to support them as they no longer pose a health risk.

 

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Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 044 5333846