THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality recently launched a Covid-19 regulation enforcement programme in Motherwell in response to the increasing numbers of infections in the area.
This comes after Motherwell was identified as the area with the most cases, more than 100, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
During a roadblock programme, Acting Bay Mayor, Tshonono Buyeye, said that the increasing numbers in Motherwell remained a cause for concern and had forced the metro to plan more intervention programmes to intensify the fight against Covid-19 across the whole metro.
“We decided to zoom in on Motherwell simply because our numbers are rising here and we need to quickly flatten this upward curve,” Buyeye said.
“Our efforts will be in Motherwell as a focus area and other areas where large numbers have been recorded, such as Zwide and KwaZakhele. There is still a challenge here when it comes to the wearing of masks and use of sanitisers as most of them (the residents) can’t afford these essentials.
“Hence, we have been here many times to distribute these necessities, focusing more on informal settlements. We want to make sure that everybody has a chance to arm themselves to fight against the virus,” he added.
Buyeye mentioned that the NMBM would be working closely with the Department of Health to improve public awareness, screening and testing.
As part of the roadblock, the metro police also checked the compliance of Covid-19 regulations pertaining to transport and pedestrians, and the municipality has used the platform to educate residents about the dangers of the virus.
The operation was led by Buyeye, accompanied by Speaker of Council, Buyelwa Mafaya, and MMC’s Queenie Pink and Andile Lungisa.
One person was arrested and 10 fines issued to drivers who transgressed the Covid-19 regulations. Pink, the NMBM Safety and Security portfolio head, said that the roadblock was a success as metro police not only enforced the law but educated residents as well.
“Motherwell was just the first stop as the area is a hot spot in our metro.
“We will, however, also be going to other areas and targeting all the hot spots, which include Zwide, KwaDwesi, KwaZakhele, Walmer and New Brighton.”
Pink also mentioned that since level 3 lockdown was implemented on Monday, the metro would intensify the programmes as more people were going back to work and school.
“The metro will roll out other programmes which include roadblocks, public education and awareness, screening and testing and compliance visits to businesses, schools and churches, following the easing of the lockdown regulations.”
