Ward 93 councillor works to ensure residents abide by lockdown regulations

Residents in Ward 93 had a rocky start adjusting to life under lockdown, however, all is now calm according to ward councillor Candice James.

Starting on 27 March and set to last for 21 days, South Africans were confined to their homes with only essential services permitted to leave their houses for essential work. Grocery runs, trips to medical spaces, the pharmacy and to collect social grants are the only exception citizens have to leave their home.

James said that as the days have gone by, residents have effectively taken on the role as the ‘wardens’ of the ward, giving important updates and bringing a sense of calm to everyone. “At the beginning of the lockdown, I had received almost 200 messages a day from people in the area with general concerns they had. As the time has gone, residents have calmed down a little bit and are doing well during this time.”

The ward councillor mentioned there were some service delivery issues, but have since been resolved.

James added she has helped any elderly members in the community with getting necessities for their homes. “Currently, there are no medical emergencies or issues. With three old-age homes in the area, we check on them daily, and have ER24 on stand-by should anything happen.”

At the moment, there is no door-to-door testing happening in Ward 93 areas.

James said that residents have been complying with the lockdown regulations thus far, and that residents do message occasionally to report anyone walking their pets or taking a jog. “While there are no real issues at the moment, my only concern is that people are leaving their houses a little more than necessary, but otherwise all is calm in the ward.”

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