Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

COVID-19: Western Cape Provincial Update 3

16 April 2020

Basic service delivery is continuing uninterrupted in all municipalities in the Western Cape.

In addition all municipalities are in various stages of implementing and coordinating feeding schemes with multiple stakeholders and partners to ensure vulnerable communities needs are met.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell says the task of improving basic water supply in high density informal settlements has already largely been completed.

“Water tanks, as provided by the Department of Water Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements, have been delivered across the province. In addition, feeding of vulnerable school learners has commenced with the support of local municipalities.”

Bredell says local municipalities in the province have launched a feeding/food donation scheme to assist those most vulnerable in their communities, especially those families not covered by any existing government grants.

“There is some ongoing concern about our municipalities cashflow and revenue at a time when residential and business clients are struggling to settle their full municipal accounts. We will be taking this matter up with national government to see what can be done to support our councils.”

Some of the work being done in municipalities across the province:

  • On the West Coast, a rural gravel road between Aurora and Redelinghuys, critical to emergency services was severely damaged. The West Coast District Municipality responding to a request from the SA Police Services, deployed its roads department and the road has been repaired during the past week. Rural roads are critical to ensure accessibility to rural areas. These are often gravel roads linking rural areas with bigger towns where essential services are rendered.
  • In Knysna, the local Municipality has called for a concerted effort in implementing feeding schemes across all communities. Designated drop-off points for donations and support from the public have been established.
  • Witzenberg Municipality is currently feeding 243 households and looking to expand to 600 households by the end of the month.
  • Stellenbosch Municipality is preparing for the first wave of community based screening, expected to be rolled out in the area next week. The municipality is working with the Stellenbosch Unite partners to distribute food parcels to residents in need and the municipality also encourages all residents who are able, to make a contribution.

More information is on the municipal website and social media sites.

  • Cape Agulhas Municipality is feeding 1530 people per day.
  • Mosselbay Municipality continues to provide food to vulnerable communities. Door to door health checks are being done along with the provincial health department in KwaNonqaba and other smaller areas around the region.
  • Cape Winelands District Municipality is actively assisting and promoting the distance learning schools education programs already in place.

“As the lockdown period has been extended we continue to urge all residents to stay at home and adhere to the regulations,” Bredell says.

He has urged all citizens with questions regarding the proposed lockdown and what it means for them, their families and their lives to visit the website: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

“This website is an up to date source of information for all citizens and gets updated continuously as information comes in. In addition, if you have flu-like symptoms, and have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, please contact the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what to do next. Please always get a second opinion if you are at all concerned.”

NB: Media Alert Premier Winde to provide update on Western Cape response to Coronavirus in digital press conference. Premier Winde will go live at 2.30pm. His Facebook page can be found at at https://www.facebook.com/windealan/

ENDS.

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson to the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Western Cape Government

9th Floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town, South Africa

Telephone  : +27 21 483 2820

Mobile        : +27 84 5831670

E-mail          : james-brent.styan@westerncape.gov.za