Media Release: Klein Karoo and Mossel Bay EHP’S celebrate World Environmental Health Day
For immediate release 28 September 2023
The theme of World Environmental Health Day which is celebrated on 26 September 2023 was “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s health each and every day”.
As part of the build–up activities towards World Environmental Health Day, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in the Klein Karoo region engaged in various activities to reach out to food handlers, crèches and community members to create awareness about the impact of the environment on our overall health and well-being.
The emphasis of the various awareness actions was to convey the message of the importance of a clean environment to ensure a good quality of health and life.
Illegal dumping awareness was done at crèches and in the community and health and hygiene awareness information was provided to persons in charge of -and food preparers of food premises.
It is important that children learn from a very young age to prevent littering and waste pollution and to use acceptable and appropriate methods that are available to dispose waste effectively. A clean environment encourages outdoor play without fear of children being injured by playing near waste heaps and trash.
Community members were sensitised on the fact that a clean neighbourhood free from illegal dumping holds many benefits to our communities and that a clean environment is a healthy environment. No illegal dumping means no pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals that could cause damage to the soil, the air and the surrounding groundwater. An environment, free from illegal dumping prevents the presence of insects like flies and mosquitoes, rodents like rats and mice, as well as bad smells. It furthermore ensures the health, safety and well-being of communities.Â
According to the World Health Organisation statistics, an estimated 600 million people in the world fall ill because of contaminated food. A shocking 420 000 of these cases end in death each year. Regulation 638 of 2018 requires that all food premises, new and existing, have to be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability. Also, the person in charge of -and any other person(s) working on the food premises must be adequately trained in the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene. Additionally, new innovations in food production, as well as the re-emergence of food-borne diseases must be adequately addressed to adapt to the changing conditions and environments.
Furthermore, in Mossel Bay the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, serving the area, created awareness and shared valuable advice and useful information on how to keep food safe during periods of load shedding. The session took place at the Evethu Clinic. Â As part of the programme, EHPs also disseminated pamphlets to visitors that were present during the session.
Click hereto read more on how to keep food safe during loadshedding.
Media Release: Focus on the Garden Route District Municipality Industry Working Group
For immediate release 22 September 2023
The industry working group focusing onair quality management was established early in 2011, short after the new National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA) came into full effect on 1 April 2010 and the old Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (APPA) of 1965 repealed. The focus of the platform is to actively involve the industrial sector in Air Quality Management and to serve as a platform for information sharing and capacity building purposes.
A Working Group quarterly engagement.
The quarterly engagement include topics such as licence application procedures, the South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing & Inventory Portal (SAAELIP), emission monitoring and reporting, legislation and proposed amendment, etc.
As the time progressed, a self-compliance auditing system was introduced which requires industry to verify compliance with conditions of their Atmospheric Emission Licence. The compliance verification is completed on the municipal collaborator portal which is tailored to each individual AEL.
“Since the transition from APPA to NEMAQA, and the handover of the Atmospheric Emission Licence function from Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) to the district, the working group from the district side is viewed not only for compliance purposes, but to improve service delivery, consultation, openness, and transparency and giving best value” said Dr Johann Shoeman, District Manager for Air Quality in the Garden Route.
Another achievement is that since its establishment, not one quarterly meeting was missed. “Even during Covid 19,we managed to hold meetings virtually and currently meetings are held hybrid to accommodate attendees from far,” Schoeman said.
The GRDM Air Quality unit is often complemented by external stakeholders, specifically on the Working Group and all indications are that this platform forms an essential part of managing air quality sufficiently in the Garden Route district.
Media Release: Build-up to World Environmental Health Day underway – Recycle and Re-Use Plastic Outreach at Diepkloof Kleuterskool and Sandenenzwe Crèche
For Immediate Release
21 September 2023
With this year’s theme for the World Environmental Health Day being “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to Protect Everyone’s Health Each and Every Day,” Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from all over the district have taken proactive steps to kick off awareness initiatives as early as possible.
Recognising the urgency of safeguarding our environment and the health of all individuals, a recycle and re-use plastic outreach session was conducted by EHPs from the George Municipal Health office on 19 and 20 September 2023 with learners of Diepkloof Kleuterskool and Sandanenzwe Crèche.
The outreach aimed to teach children sustainable methods of recycling and reusing plastic waste. To demonstrate to the children how recycled items can be reused, the EHPs created art and crafts using plastic bags and bottles they received from the school.
“This is the way we protect everyone’s health even when we are not present. Our goal is to reduce the plastic waste ending up at illegal dumping sites in our communities and at landfills,” said Nonkosi Somwahla, EHP from the GRDM George office.
Educators and toddlers were captivated by the way EHP conveyed their message. Also with all the interesting things they made out of plastic.
Featured image caption: Environmental Health Practitioners, Cllr Ndayi, the Community Services Portfolio Chairperson, and the educators and toddlers of Sandanenzwe Crèche who participated in the World Environment Day build-up activities.
Project: The Construction of a New Regional Waste Management Facility and associated Infrastructure
Contract Number: GRDM/24/21-22
For attention: Interested Local SMMEs in the Garden Route
The Contractor wishes to invite all interested SMMEs in the Garden Route District For the Following Packages:
1. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/FENCE-01 – Supply and Erect new Temporary Fence 3.92 km
2. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/FENCE-02 – Supply and Erect new PetroSA internal security fence – 5.328 km
3. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/SECURITY-03 – Security Services
4. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-04 – Training
5. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-05 – Cut and stockpile material (Supply all plant required, Excavators, FEL, Tipper trucks and Dumpers)
6. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-06 – Remove topsoil and stockpile
7. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-07 – Laboratory Testing Services
8. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-08 – Supply of Diesel
9. GRDM/TEFLA/21-22/TRAINING-08 – Supply of Plant (yellow machines)
Briefing Session: Compulsory
Tender Briefing Session
Date: 22nd September 2023 Time: 11h00 Venue: Site Camp, Next to Gourikwa Landfill (PetroSA), Mossel Bay NB!
Tender documents will be issued during the tender briefing as per the attendance register.
Media Release:Â Environmental Health Practitioners of the Klein Karoo supports ECD Centres with health and hygiene education
For Immediate Release
5 September 2023
The Municipal Health Services section of the Klein Karoo region engaged with members of the Klein Karoo Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum to discuss current health legislation applicable to childcare facilities in terms of the National environmental health norms and standards for premises and acceptable monitoring standards for environmental health practitioners (24 December 2015) and GRDM Municipal Health By-Laws of 10 December 2018 promulgated under the National Health Act, (Act 61 of 2003).
Health and hygiene education provided by EHPs is essential for preventing disease, improving health, and influencing lifelong behavioural change among children. Education on health and hygiene plays a significant role in supporting the holistic development of children. According to the World Health Organisation, providing children with adequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene is one of the most effective ways to survive. By improving key hygiene behaviours, such as ensuring safe drinking water, proper hand hygiene, and effective sanitation, EHPs believe that promoting health and hygiene improvement is a comprehensive way to prevent childhood diseases like diarrhoea.
EHPs remain committed to educating the public and remain steadfast in their belief that prevention is better than cure.
Did you know?
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are appointed in terms of the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003) and registered as such in terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974)? In order to ensure compliance with this act, EHPs have the authority to enter any premises, excluding private dwellings. EHPs may enter Early Childhood Development (ECD) premises for the purpose of conducting inspections, conducting environmental health investigations, and also providing health education to pre-schools, child care centres so that environmental health can be strengthened.
Ikanya Hendricks and Maxwelline Fatuse with educators and children at Marius Fransman Day Care Center in Ladismith.
Elizna Cairncross, EHP, with educators and children from the Sionsberg creche in Oudtshoorn.
Desmond Paulse, Manager Municipal Health Services of the Klein Karoo Region, with Klein Karoo Early Childhood Development Forum management and members.
Afrikaans
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns wat werksaam is in die Klein-Karoo-streek (Oudtshoorn en omliggende areas), het onlangs met die Klein-Karoo Vroeë Kinderontwikkeling Forum-lede vergader, om die huidige gesondheidswetgewing van toepassing op kindersorgfasiliteite te bespreek. Hierdie samekoms was belangrik vir bespreking van huidige wetgewing soos van toepassing op kindersorgfasiliteite in terme van die TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsverordeninge van 10 Desember 2018 en Aanvaarbare Moniteringstandaarde vir Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (24 Desember 2015) gepromulgeer onder die Nasionale Gesondheidswet (Wet 61 van 2003).
Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns het op 29 Augustus 2023, Gesondheid- en Higiëne opvoedingsessies by kleuterskole in Oudtshoorn en Kannaland aangebied, met die klem op:
– die belangrikheid van handewas;
– die korrekte handewasmetodes;
– ‘n skoon omgewing; en
– persoonlike higiĂ«ne.
Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns bly daartoe verbind om die publiek op te voed en standvastig in hul oortuiging dat voorkoming beter is as genesing.
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Featured image caption: EHP Ikanya Hendricks demonstrates the correct hand-washing method to learners at Excelsior Primary School in Calitzdorp.
Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility
For Immediate Release 04 September 2023
In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.
Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.
Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM proudly turns the first sod.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, turning the sod after a few years of anticipating this exciting day.
Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Aldrman Memory Booysen with key political figures of the participating municipalities.
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with all politicians present at the Sod-Turning Ceremony.
In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community. We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”.  Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.
Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.
Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.
Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process.  Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.
An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.
The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility. Â Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.
The project’s timeline are as follows:
Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
  Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025
The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.
Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
GRDM Employees ecstatic after the sod was turned. With them is Mossel Bay Municipal Manager, Colin Puren.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with his Chief of Staff, Siphiwe Dladla (left), GRDM Strategic Manager, Thembani Loliwe (Second from left) and GRDM Project Manager, Passmore Dongi (right).
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen shows his ‘thumbs up’ with machinery in the backdrop at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
A walk-about was done shortly after the sod-turning.
One of the machines on-site at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, next to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.
GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels and Chief Financial Officer, Rian Boshoff, were also present.
Councillors present during the proceedings.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
In the foreground, GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
Johan Gie, GRDM Waste Management Manager was the programme director of the day.
A Message Of Support was shared by Bitou Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Busakwe.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Cllr Cliffie Bayman, Deputy Executive Mayor from Mossel Bay Municipality.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Knysna Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa.
Ald. Memory Booysen delivers his Commitment to Service Delivery address.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk delivered the Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks.
Media Release: Food Safety and Health & Hygiene Practices training presented to Foodhandlers in Bitou
For Immediate Release 24 August 2023
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in Bitou, on 21 August 2023, presented Food Safety and Health & Hygiene Practices training to food handlers operating within the Bitou area.
Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners, Nokuphiwa Mbali, Zoleka Goniwe and Sophia Marthinus present the Health and Hygiene training to Food handlers serving the Bitou area.
complying with the requirements of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (54/1972), Regulation 638;
five keys to safer food in food preparation facilities can mitigate the risks of foodborne illness outbreaks; and
ensuring that they are operating in compliance with relevant regulations.
What are the Five Keys to Safer Food?
Keep Clean
Hands should be washed before and during the food preparation process.
Premises should be kept clean, which includes the equipment used, in order to ensure that pests such as cockroaches, mice and rats do not gain access due to the availability of food (food spills, refuse bins and dirty dishes).
Separate raw and cooked food
Use separate equipment and utensils for the different types of raw and cooked food.
Raw and cooked food should be stored in separate containers.
Cook Thoroughly
Proper cooking kills most dangerous bacteria, studies have shown that cooking food up to a temperature of 70ËšC can help ensure food is safe for consumption.
Keep food at Safe Temperatures
Bacteria can multiply very quickly if food is stored/ kept at room temperature, it should either be kept below 5ËšC or above 60Ëš.
Food products should be defrosted/ thawed at the correct temperature and not be kept on the table in the hot kitchen during the course of the day.
Use safe water and raw materials
Safe water and raw materials such as fruit and vegetables should be used.
Only meat bought from an approved butchery/ abattoir should be used.
Choose safely processed foods such as pasteurized milk.
For more information regarding Environmental Health related training for Food premises or Food handlers, contact the GRDM Municipal Health Services at 044-803 1300/1525 or email jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za.
Feature Photo: Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners, Nokuphiwa Mbali, Zoleka Goniwe and Sophia Marthinus with the group of food handlers present during the Food Safety and Health and Hygiene training in Bitou.
Media Release: Multi-stakeholder anti-litter clean-up campaign continues
For Immediate Release 28 July 2023
Recently, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) kicked off its anti-litter campaign aimed at educating people about proper waste disposal techniques, using waste as a resource, and the pollution effects litter brings to the Garden Route District. Raising awareness at taxi ranks, schools, informal settlements, public facilities, malls, and shopping centres form part of the campaign.
On Tuesday 25 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section conducted an awareness campaign at the Asla Clinic in Mossel Bay in collaboration with the Environmental Officers of Mossel Bay Municipality’s Pollution and Waste Management section.
Community members were educated about the severe negative consequences of illegal dumping on both the environment and human health. Topics covered included the disposal of hazardous materials, garbage and pollutants in unauthorised locations as well as the effects of contaminated soils and water sources on animal and human life. There was a lot of interaction during the session, and community members received stickers with contact information for reporting illegal dumping.
On Thursday 27 July 2023, the GRDM Waste Management Section hosted a workshop with twenty-four (24) waste pickers (Expanded Public Works Program Workers and offenders from Community Correction) to educate them on the different waste streams that can be recycled. During the training, pickers were taught that waste could be a resource for someone else as well as a treasure. It was also clarified that every citizen has the right to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. The fact that it is a human right, but also a responsibility, was emphasized.
Stakeholders in the workshop included Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – Local Government Support. Similar workshops continue to be rolled out in other towns of the Garden Route district.
The following pictures were taken during the two awareness sessions hosted by the GRDM Waste Management Section the past week.
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Featured Image Caption: The workshop was attended by waste pickers from Mossel Bay
Garden Route DM Municipal Health Services achieve a stellar 96.7% Compliance Rate
For Immediate release
18 July 2023
The Western Cape Provincial Department of Health and Wellness conducted an audit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Health Services in February 2023. It was recently made public that the GRDM achieved a 96.7% compliance rate.
The following municipal health-related KPIs and administration processes were audited: Client rights, operational management, facility and infrastructure, leadership and corporate governance, operational – vector control, environment pollution control, waste management, water quality monitoring, law enforcement, health surveillance of premises, etc.
The primary aims of Municipal Health Services are to promote health and to ensure a healthy environment for the community.
According to the Audit report summary, non-compliance was observed only in two areas: human resources and vector control. With a compliance rate of 96.7%, it is evident that the Community Services Department of GRDM are making substantial progress towards the goals outlined in the GRDM Integrated Development Plan (popularly known as an IDP), indicating a positive direction.
Feature image: An image depicting some of the functions of Municipal Health at the Garden Route District Municipality
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING
Die Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Departement van Gesondheid en Welstand het in Februarie 2023 ‘n oudit van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) Gesondheidsdienste uitgevoer. Dit is onlangs bekend gemaak dat die GRDM ‘n 96,7% voldoeningskoers behaal het.
Volgens die ouditverslagopsomming is twee areas wat ge-oudit is wat opgeskerp moet word: menslike hulpbronne en vektorbeheer. Met ‘n voldoeningskoers van 96.7%, is dit duidelik dat die Gemeenskapsdienstedepartement van GRDM aansienlike vordering maak in die rigting van die doelwitte soos uiteengesit in die GRDM GeĂŻntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan (algemeen bekend as ‘n GOP), wat ‘n positiewe rigting aandui.
Media Release: Paperless Inspections by Environmental Health Practitioners continue to reduce GRDM’s carbon footprint
For Immediate Release 11 July 2023
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to reduce its carbon footprint. Developed in 2012, an innovative mobile app for Municipal Health Practitioners, combines traditional paper prints, personal computers, laptops, and cameras into one efficient device, revolutionising the way inspections are conducted.
With approximately 8,000 inspections carried out annually, including 6,000 food and water samples, the introduction of the paperless inspection yielded significant time-saving for 32 EHPS of GRDM. Time saved has resulted in a 25% reduction in their workload, equivalent to having an additional eight (8) EHPs.
The app’s effectiveness is also measured by its positive environmental impact. By eliminating the need for thousands of prints, GRDM has taken a significant step towards reducing paper waste. The production of paper involves the consumption of millions of trees, chemicals, and water, with much of it ending up in landfills as it remains largely unrecycled. The Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Industry is responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. Embracing a digital approach to inspections significantly mitigates these environmental hazards.
Screengrabs of the municipal app used by Environmental Health Practitioners
In line with its commitment to environmental stewardship, GRDM has also transitioned to electronic communication wherever possible. Feedback to clients is predominantly conducted via email, further reducing the reliance on paper. For clients without access to email services, a short SMS is sent to inform them about inspections conducted and the results thereof.
Environmental Health practitioners using their app to perform daily inspections.
Previously, EHPs conducted a certain number of education sessions annually. However, over the past decade, EHPS have significantly increased their public educational sessions to approximately 500. These informative sessions cover a range of topics, including food safety, chemical safety, handwashing at schools and crèches, as well as door-to-door campaigns aimed at combating illegal dumping in the Garden Route communities.
The development team improves and updates the app frequently, ensuring it stays aligned with 21st-century advancements. The Municipal Health Dashboard, serving as a support system, provides visuals of the region to highlight evolving trends at the grassroots level.
GRDM prides itself on being a frontrunner in technological advances, in particular within municipal health services.
Feature image: An Environmental Health Practitioner using the GRDM Municipal Health App – saving thousands of Rands annually.
It is important that children learn from a very young age to prevent littering and waste pollution and to use acceptable and appropriate methods that are available to dispose waste effectively. A clean environment encourages outdoor play without fear of children being injured by playing near waste heaps and trash.
According to the World Health Organisation statistics, an estimated 600 million people in the world fall ill because of contaminated food. A shocking 420 000 of these cases end in death each year. Regulation 638 of 2018 requires that all food premises, new and existing, have to be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability. Also, the person in charge of -and any other person(s) working on the food premises must be adequately trained in the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene. Additionally, new innovations in food production, as well as the re-emergence of food-borne diseases must be adequately addressed to adapt to the changing conditions and environments.
