The Gert Sibande District Command Council (DCC) chaired by District Executive Mayor, councillor Muzi Chirwa, has ensured a collective approach in fighting the spread of the Coronavirus in Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality in particular, where the positive cases of Covid-19 are the highest.
“The recent activities implemented following decisions taken by the DCC have shown a display of unity between the different stakeholders with the understanding that together we can beat the spread of the pandemic,” Gert Sibande District Municipal spokesman, Bongi Ka Dube, stated in a press release.
“Although it is the District Municipality’s main function to support local municipalities, the municipalities have been supporting each other through the sharing of different resources and infrastructure, because some municipalities are more equipped in certain areas than others.”
Gert Sibande District, Msukaligwa and Chief Albert Luthuli Municipalities collectively availed chemicals and infrastructure used in Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Local Municipality on 4 May to flatten the curve.
The support measures included mass disinfection of public spaces such as municipal offices, Sassa pay points, taxi ranks and the two main shopping centres’ parking areas to mention a few.
The availability of three bakkies for fumigation in various public areas, one fire engine and firefighters were also made available.
Awareness strategies through loud hailing and by the deployment of municipal health workers were also maximised.
This was done in response to the high number of cases reported in this municipal area.
Councillor Chirwa joined by Executive Mayor PV Malatsi and his delegation On 6 May, were on the ground in Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Local Municipality to monitor and increase awareness, especially at the Sassa pay points.
They urged community members to practise social distancing and appropriately cover their mouths and noses.
Councillor Chirwa handed over hygiene items, donated by the South African Local Government Association in partnership with Old Mutual.
Each district municipality was requested to identify the neediest local municipality in the district to be donated with the material, GSDM identified Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Local Municipality to receive the sanitisers, gloves and masks.
Shopkeepers were also urged, as required by law, to take down the contact details of people who visit their shops and also to provide hand sanitisers in line with level 4 lockdown regulations.
As recommended by the DCC, municipalities have also been able to support other government institutions where possible through various means.
These included monitoring and the provision of chairs at Sassa pay points to help beneficiaries adhere to social distancing and also the disinfection of government offices in preparation for employees’ return to work.
