Enshrined in the National Health Act of 2003, food control is one of the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services. The training of food handlers is a crucial aspect of food control which Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform.
On Thursday, 13 March 2025, EHPs from the Wilderness Region Municipal Health Section conducted training at the Watsons Butchery relating to requirements set out in REGULATION 638 OF 22 JUNE 2018: REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF THE FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).
Health and hygiene training at food premises is essential to ensure that all food handlers are properly educated on hygiene and to protect the public from foodborne illnesses. The theme of the training entails: 5 keys to safer foods, importance of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements.
“Overall, premises that receive this training show improved compliance during routine inspections conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners. Our goal is to educate and train as many food handlers across the region as possible to increase the compliance rate of premises,” said Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the GRDM in George.
During the training, 58 employees of Watson’s Butchery participated. The sessions were conducted in groups, with each group consisting of over 20 participants.
For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact
Johan Compion Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Air Quality and Waste Management E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za Cell: 082 803 5161
Feature Image Caption: EHP Jessica Erasmus busy presenting to the food handlers and employees of Watson’s Butchery
MEDIA RELEASE:Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses
19 March 2025
As the period between November and May marks the paediatric surge season, healthcare professionals are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant in preventing and managing diarrheal and respiratory related disease in young children. Both diarrhoea and pneumonia remain one of the leading health risks for infants and young children, yet it is both treatable and preventable with prompt action.
November 2024 to 3 March 2025 stats shows that 1585 children in the Garden Route district were hospitalised at public hospitals with pneumonia. The First 1000 Days of a child’s life presents a crucial window of opportunity to ensure optimal growth and development. One of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s health during this season is ensuring they are vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms associated with common paediatric illnesses.
Know the Danger Signs – The Road to Health booklet provides vital information on warning signs that requires urgent medical care. If a child exhibits any of the following, immediate medical attention should be sought:
Persistent coughing and rapid breathing
Inability to feed and presence of fever
Vomiting everything consumed
Diarrhoea( loose ,watery stools ) accompanied by sunken eyes and a swollen fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head,18 months and younger )
Shaking or convulsions
Signs of malnutrition such as swollen feet and hands
Inability to breastfeed
Lack of movement or response
From November 2024 to 3 March 2025, 1266 children in the Garden Route district under the age of 5 presented with diarrhoea. Of those, 559 children were hospitalised. If a child develops loose stools, immediate administration of an oral rehydration solution or Sugar Salt Solution is advised. This can be prepared by adding half a level teaspoon of salt and eight level teaspoons of sugar to one litre of cooled, boiled water. If breastfeeding, give more frequent and longer breastfeeds at a time.
Recognising Dehydration Symptoms
Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, which include:
Reduced urination
Dry mouth
Few tears when crying
Sunken eyes
Weakness
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and presents with symptoms such as:
Drowsiness
Pale or mottled skin
Cold hands or feet
Dry nappies
Rapid and shallow breathing
Althea Adams, clinical programme coordinator in the Garden Route: “Our healthcare facilities provide diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood illnesses. Especially during surge season, our healthcare staff offer valuable guidance on nutrition and encourage families and caregivers to seek medical care as promptly of showing any of the danger signs”.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting children from the dangers of diarrheal disease and dehydration. Early intervention can save lives and ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention in time is crucial.
Featured Image Caption: Staff Nurse Jacqueline Howley-January from Plett Town Clinic discussing the sugar-salt solution with patients.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project
For Immediate Release 18 March 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commends the Western Cape Government (WCG) and particularly its Department of Infrastructure (DoI) for their significant progress in repairing efforts of the Montagu Pass (DR1640). The GRDM is responsible for performing a Roads Agency Function (maintenance and upgrades) on behalf of the WCG DoI, receiving allocations annually from them.
GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “Through collaboration, the WCG DoI has successfully navigated complex legislative and environmental processes to bring this critical project back on track with the backing of the private sector”.
“It is no secret that the Montagu Pass sustained severe flood damage, which required a comprehensive repair strategy to ensure its long-term resilience. The Pass is of vital importance to the residents of George and surrounds as it is also a tourism asset and an agricultural corridor that supports jobs,” said Stroebel.
George Executive Mayor, Jackie Von Brandis also added: “I am pleased about the clear way forward to restore this historical pass to its former glory. The Montagu Pass remains one of our country’s oldest unaltered mountain passes, completed in 1847. Beyond its historical significance, the pass has for long been a weekend favourite for adventure seekers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers who enjoy its rugged beauty and nostalgic charm. I look forward to seeing domestic and international tourists using it again.”
The CEO of Agri Western Cape (AWC), Jannie Strydom, also added: “Fully functional and well-maintained infrastructure is vital for the agricultural sector to function optimally, because this without a doubt supports the sustainability and operational efficiency of the sector”. Strydom has been instrumental in coordinating engagements between AWC, GRDM, WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the George Business Chamber, Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the WCG DoI.
Willie-John van Niekerk, the Chairman of the George Heritage Trust, extended his thank yous to all relevant authorities, organisations and support groups too, who have contributed to the traction of the project. “We trust that the work on the Pass will be carried out in accordance with heritage principles, ensuring that it does not lead to further degradation of the road due to a lack of understanding of its structure or through well-intentioned but misinformed alterations to the natural environment.”
Following the aforementioned comments, Mayor Stroebel thanks to all stakeholders for their collaborative spirit during this process to date.
The reality on the ground, which will be addressed soon as per the timeline provided below by WCG DoI.
The timeline provided by the DoI for the project is as follows:
Project Initiation & Assessment
October 2024: Western Cape Government receives additional funding through the National Disaster Management Grant to address flood damage and repairs.
November 2024: Zutari engineering firm appointed to provide professional engineering services.
November 2024 – February 2025: On-site assessments conducted, with stakeholder consultations (business representatives, heritage agencies) to align objectives and mitigate delays.
Design & Environmental Processes
End of February 2025: Design scope approved, allowing the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) application process to commence.
Early March 2025: Survey results received and processed to inform detailed engineering design.
By End of March 2025: NEMA application submission target.
March – late September 2025: NEMA and other environmental authorisations expected (subject to public participation and appeals process).
Construction Phase
Late October 2025: Anticipated construction commencement (if authorisations are secured on time).
October 2025 – August 2026: Estimated construction period (8-10 months) at a projected cost of R80 million.
Project Completion and Maintenance
August 2026: Expected full reopening of Montagu Pass (subject to all conditions being met).
Beyond August 2026
Routine maintenance to align with heritage practices.
Maintenance overseen by the District Roads Engineer: Garden Route and Central Karoo.
Continued efforts to enhance road resilience against future flood damage.
Issued by Garden Route District Municipality and endorsed by the Western Cape Provincial WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, George Municipality, Agri Western Cape, George Business Chamber, AHI and ACSA.
Feature image: A scenic image of the Montagu Pass, showcasing its natural beauty as it is nestled within the Outeniqua Mountains.
Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025
For Immediate Release
20 March 2025
A Shared Services Summit, arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Local Government, was held a week ago in Cape Town. The primary objectives of the event were to share best practices relating to services; to enhance the current capacity of those responsible for shared services; and to strategise the efficient implementation of shared services across municipalities.
Holtzhausen presented several current shared services offered by GRDM to delegates. These include: the GRDM Emergency Call Centre, Job Evaluation Coordination (TASK) and the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM).
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who is in full support of the Shared Services Model of GRDM, said: “The GRDM remains committed to sustaining the Shared Services Model and expanding its reach wherever possible. This progress would not have been achievable without the solid foundation carefully laid down by Trix with the support of current and previous employees. I would like to thank her for spearheading this programme to the level that it is at today.”
Call Centre
“The Call Centre was established in 2008 and is still in operation today. This project proved to be the most successful and longstanding project delivered on a Shared Services basis with Provincial Departments (EMS, Traffic sections) Western Cape, GRDM sand private partners (ER 24) sharing resources to enhance service delivery,” said Holtzhausen.
TASK
She also shared that: “The TASK project revolves around job evaluations within the region and for municipalities from the Central Karoo. It includes twelve (12) municipalities sharing the cost of the service and has been in operation since 2012”.
GRSM
Her presentation concluded with the GRSM. “This Skills Mecca program with various projects was established in 2018 because of the devastating Knysna and Plettenberg wildfires. The GRSM is a socio-economic programme aimed at coordinating all training initiatives across the entire district with the aim of providing opportunities to unemployed and employed youth. Outcomes increase the chances of each learner’s employability based on occupationally based training programmes and work-related experiences. To date, we at the GRDM have attracted R122 million of investment into the district with more than 2000 people already benefited from it. The costs are shared amongst all municipalities within the district in terms of human resources and operational costs. Funding sources for the training programmes are from public as well as private funders nationally and internationally.”
Trix also explained that GRDM also provides shared services relating to Air Quality, Coordination of Minimum Competency Training programme (5 Municipalities sharing costs), and the control of back-up ICT Servers between GRDM, Beaufort-West and Swellendam.
During the Summit, global and national perspectives of successful models and best practices were shared, not only focusing on the good, but the challenges faced too.
The outcome of the Summit for GRDM, is to actively pursue Shared Services as a vehicle for service delivery in the district given the financial constraints that municipalities in South Africa are facing amidst increased community demands and needs. The GRDM is relied on to take leadership in the district by creating an awareness of the benefits of Shared Services or Inter-municipal Cooperation.
The Shared Services Summit 2025 was a much needed step towards fostering collaboration and improving municipal services in the Western Cape.
Feature image caption: Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen is seated (wearing coral/red), with her HR Manager, Michelle Smit, seated left).
Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn
17 March 2025
This year, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) will take place in Oudtshoorn for the 29th time. The festival will begin on 1 April and conclude on 6 April 2025. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel has also met with the KKNK organisers to take hands and partner with them. The GRDM will therefore be present at the KKNK to support it and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) to monitor of food stalls comply with health standards.
EHPs are, amongst others, responsible for Food Control, Solid Waste Management, and Health Surveillance of Premises. With this in mind, the EHPs from the GRDM will once again conduct inspections at the festival’s food stalls to ensure compliance with Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.
During the festival, EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health office will conduct daily routine inspections and monitor various environmental health aspects, including food stalls, solid waste storage and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, and camping sites.
The EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers during inspections. By doing so, they help ensure that all food stored, handled, and prepared at food stalls is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also conforming to the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.
Additionally, the EHP team carries out inspections and monitors public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, and refuse disposal and removal. They also ensure compliance with regulations relating to smoking in public places and certain outdoor public areas.
What are the Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?
Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) in terms of R638 of 22 June 2018.
The COA must be available at the food stall and be visible to the public.
People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full-length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
All pre-packed food must be properly labelled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of wastewater until disposal thereof.
The stall / premises where food is handled, must always be kept clean and in a hygienic condition.
Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited and is only allowed in designated smoking area.
For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:
Mr. Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo) Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mr. Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health Services, Waste Management and Air Quality Control E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300
Western Cape Minister of Mobility and delegation visit the Garden Route to improve Road Safety in the district
For immediate release 13 March 2025
The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) MEC of Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, and his delegation, on 11 March 2025, met with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipal representatives including Executive Mayors, MMCs responsible for Traffic and Law Enforcement, Municipal Managers and Senior Management, as part of the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable.
The WC MEC of the Mobility, Minister Isaac Sikelu (left) with Acting Head of the Department, Darryl Jacobs (right) during his address.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right), acknowledging the significance of the Mobility Department, with Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu (left).
Acting Chief Director for Traffic Management, Willie van der Merwe, presented the 2024/2025 festive season statistics report.
GRDM Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (left), delivered input regarding the handling of incidents involving the transporting of dangerous goods.
George Executive Mayor, Jackie Von Brandis (right), delivered the vote of thanks to all who participated in the engagement.
Executive Mayors, MMCs for Traffic and Law Enforcement, Senior Management and officials attended the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable.
Opening the discussions of the session, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the Mobility Department in our everyday daily lives mentioning a few of the many services rendered by the Department, including:
the processing of driving and learner licences,
processing of PDPs applications,
handling of number plate registrations,
vehicle registrations,
processing of parking road access for sport and filming applications,
processing of disabled parking discs,
processing of driver instructor certificates, to name a few.
The purpose of the roundtable discussions was to provide feedback to the district regarding the road safety programme over the recent festive season. The discussions also aimed to explore ways for stakeholders to collaborate towards a shared vision and enhance overall road safety initiatives, share localised perspectives and concerns.
The roundtable therefore forms part of the WCG Department’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries by ensuring safer roads through a coordinated and targeted approach by all traffic and law enforcement agencies.
Minister Sileku stated: “Our work reconfirms that we need to work together” and noted that measures be put in place to restore peace, order and discipline on the roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, spatial planning etc. were also among the key concerns mentioned by Minister Sileku.
“It is no longer a time for people to disagree and not bring solutions to the table – if you disagree, bring solutions. We want to save lives and for that we need to intensify our initiatives to improve, because as much as accidents happens, it has a social and economic impact”. In addition, Minister Sileku added that “as much as we see a decline which is a step in the right direction, what we ultimately would want to see in the near future is that when we stop 1000 cars, that all 1000 cars comply with the rules of the road”.
Acting Chief Director for Traffic Management, Willie van der Merwe, presented the 2024/2025 festive season statistics and provided a breakdown of provincial and municipal roads, the Garden Route as a district as well as statistics per local municipality in the district, including challenges, concerns and recommendations. Elaborating on the challenges, Van der Merwe emphasised the importance of reporting to ensure better planning; the sharing of resources and collaboration between stakeholders; municipalities not in operation 24/7 during peak periods; poor visibility of traffic officers in certain areas; limited to no integration with provincial traffic centres resulting in a lack of an integrated plan, etc. These were a few of the challenges mentioned by Van der Merwe. He further recommended that Road Safety be incorporated into the Integrated Development Plans of the Municipalities as a priority.
Minister Sikelu stressed the importance of Communication and Awareness as key factors to educate communities in terms of road safety behaviour. He also highlighted cooperation between stakeholders, and said: “Instead of competing with one another, Traffic and Law Enforcement agencies need to focus on the work at hand – to work together for a common purpose and a goal, because if we are not working together, we will continue having these challenges every day,” he emphasised.
Soon after the engagement the delegation conducted a tour to the Municipal Emergency Centre to view the facilities in place for the services rendered by the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.
The event concluded with Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Jackie Von Brandis, sharing words of appreciation to Minister Sileku and his delegation for creating a platform and allowing sound and firm discussions regarding improved service delivery in terms of Road Safety, to the District Municipality for hosting the event and all municipal representatives who attended the engagement on behalf of their respective municipalities.
Feature Image: FLTR: Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, MEC of Mobility in the Western Cape, Isaac Sikelu and Acting Head of the Mobility Department, Darryl Jacobs
Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality
For Immediate Release 13 March 2025
First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.
The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.
Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.
Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.
A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.
This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.
All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios:
Safety and lawful aspects
Patient assessment
Life Support
Airway Obstruction
Shock
Dressing and Bandages
Injury Emergencies
Medical Emergencies
Environmental Emergencies
Emergency Childbirth
Transporting a patient
And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.
Did you know?
There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2025).
Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)
Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator.
Media Release: Global Events heavily impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
For immediate release 11 March 2025
“When Russia invaded Ukraine in April 2022, environmentalists sounded the alarm that as the world shifted focus and resources to the war, it would have a detrimental effect on global efforts to address climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Since 2022, this prediction has not only proven to be true, but the situation has worsened due to more recent events, such as the USA withdrawing from the UN Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and halting vital funding that sustains environmental efforts globally. In Countries like South Africa few realized the scale and impact of American financial support until it was retracted overnight.
The theme for the June 2025 GREF Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba is “A Global Reassessment of Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for Environmental Projects.” The Indaba will focus on finding alternative, innovative, and sustainable funding mechanisms for environmental management.
South African conservation and environmental efforts are already suffering as government and private funding has dwindled over time due to slow economic growth and rising costs. Ironically, the environment is the bedrock of the South African economy, yet given the financial predicament, it is being forced to take a back seat.
The recent return of the SA Agulhas II research ship from its annual voyage conducting vital research in Antarctica and open oceans was a momentous occasion. However, even this prestigious South African endeavour faces uncertainty, as looming budget cuts threaten its sustainability.
The loss of American funding, particularly from USAID, will have far-reaching effects on critical initiatives such as the South African Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP), which aims to move away from fossil fuels. Many other essential conservation projects funded through American grants, including anti-poaching efforts and biodiversity conservation, are also at risk.
As the global drive to protect the environment faces increasing threats, South Africans must take responsibility for ensuring better environmental management to secure a high quality of life for all who depend on our natural infrastructure and resources.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a regional climate change think tank. (www.grefscli.co.za)
Feature Image: In the face of less funding South Africans must do much more to protect the environment – Waste management
Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety
For Immediate Release 10 March 2025
Hoogekraal, situated northeast of Glentana, was visited by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services on Saturday, 8 March 2025. The annual visit is part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety.
Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren educating community members from Hoogekraal about fires and the risks they pose to the safety of everyone.
There is a great deal of dry grass, shrubs, and large trees surrounding Hoogekraal, contributing to its increased fire risk. Wildfires are also a threat along the coastline east of the settlement, stretching to Herolds Bay and westward to Glentana.
With fire’s traditional use in the community for heating and cooking, GRDM Fire & Rescue Services organized an awareness and education session.
Key topics covered:
Increasing community awareness of fire risks
Differentiating the fire hazards present in the local environment
Providing guidelines for safeguarding the immediate area around homes
Clearing and securing areas to prevent fire spread
Developing designated areas for making fires and disposing of ash
Educating children on the dangers of playing with matches or ignition sources
Understanding the role of wind in fire spread
Safe methods to suppress small fires
Identifying potential fire fuel sources around timber structures
Maintaining safe distances between structures to prevent fire from spreading
Additional information was also shared on the safe use of fire within homes.
Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren (pictured) led the session, engaging both young and old community members. Residents participated keenly in the activities and demonstrations, gaining valuable skills to protect themselves and their homes from fire-related disasters.
Mayor Stroebel commended firefighters for their ongoing efforts to educate communities. He said: “The GRDM Fire & Rescue Services remains committed to educating, and therefore empowering Garden Routers with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risks and respond effectively in emergencies. It is also of critical importance for us to reach the outlaying areas where many communities do not have access to information”.
Feature image: Johnathan van Vuuren does a practical demonstration of ‘mopping-up’ a scene.
Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help
Vir onmiddellike vrystelling
10 Maart 2025
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het verlede week voortgegaan om hulp te verleen aan die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Dit volg nadat dié plaaslike munisipaliteit dringend met die TDM moes skakel om ‘n ernstige waterskaarste-krisis in Dysselsdorp, De Rust en Blomnek aan te spreek.
Volgens die TDM se Rampbestuurhoof, Gerhard Otto, het die probleem ontstaan “nadat ‘n kabel beskadig is weens die onlangse kragonderbrekings.”
Tussen Dinsdag en Saterdag (8 Maart) het die Tegniese Dienste-afdeling van die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit vier foutiewe plekke op die hoof-elektrisiteitsvoerkabel geïdentifiseer en herstel om ‘n stabiele toevoer aan gemeenskappe te verseker. Hierdie kabel is noodsaaklik vir die voorsiening van elektrisiteit aan die waterpompe wat Dysselsdorp van huishoudelike water voorsien.
Die situasie is verder vererger deur Eskom se beurtkrag, wat dele van De Rust en Blomnek se krane droog gelaat het. In reaksie hierop het die TDM se Rampbestuursentrum en die GRDM Brandweerdiens daagliks ‘n 10 000-liter watertrok ontplooi, insluitend oor die afgelope naweek, om water aan die geaffekteerde gemeenskappe te voorsien.
Die herstelwerk aan die kragkabel is nou voltooi, en die waterpompe funksioneer op volle kapasiteit, wat beteken dat die reservoirs weer aangevul word. Dit bly egter noodsaaklik om die aanhoudende droogtetoestande in die Karoo in ag te neem, aangesien dit ‘n impak op watervoorsiening sal hê.
TDM Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel het beklemtoon: “Die TDM sal voortgaan om die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit tydens hierdie krisis te ondersteun en sal hulp verleen tot minstens Vrydag, wanneer verwag word dat die agterstand in waterlewering uitgesorteer sal wees.”
Die TDM doen ‘n dringende beroep op alle inwoners om spaarsamig met water om te gaan gedurende hierdie herstelperiode.
‘n Vorige mediavrystelling wat verband hou met die bogenoemde: https://tinyurl.com/4m3nsw7v
Water word afgelewer by dorpe insluitend Dysselsdorp, De rust en Blomnek
