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- Higher than normal rains are expected in most parts of the country during the holiday period and the cabinet has approved a contingency plan.
- Cabinet is also extremely concerned about the increase in Covid-19 infections in the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape.
- It has asked the public to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols.
As if 2020 hasn’t brought enough challenges, the government is preparing contingency plans for higher-than-normal rains and subsequent flooding in parts of the country during the holiday season.
Thus, the Cabinet expressed its “extreme concern” about an increase in Covid-19 infections.
The statement following this week’s Cabinet meeting reads: “… Cabinet approved the National Seasonal Preparedness Plan for the 2020-2021 Summer Season presented by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The statement read:
“The plan follows the predictions that indicated that greater chances of higher than normal rains are expected in most of the country. This implies that the areas of summer rains that cover the eight provinces, except the areas of winter rains such as Western Cape, have a high expectation of flooding and windstorms. “
“By implementing the plan, mitigation measures are implemented to reduce the impact of the extreme hazards of the summer season. This plan incorporates the holiday season from November 2020 to February 2021, as this period [is] prone to higher risks from weather-related hazards. The cabinet further noted that parts of the Cape provinces are still experiencing severe drought. “
The cabinet has called on the public to make the necessary preparations against the dangers of the summer season and ensure effective responses that can save lives, protect property and infrastructure.
Restrictions
The meeting preceded President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation Thursday night, when he announced new restrictions for residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.
“The cabinet has expressed extreme concern about the increase in the number of new COVID-19 infections in the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape. The increase in infections has been attributed, among other factors, to the lack of adherence to prevention of COVID-19 alert level 1 protocols and regulations, “the statement read.
“The cabinet approved the intervention measures proposed for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMB) to address the increase in COVID-19 infections. The cabinet also approved that initiation schools can proceed within strict health protocols. outside the NMB metro. Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize will visit the Western Cape to assess what needs to be done to intervene in areas such as the Garden Route. “
Cabinet highlighted the importance of adhering to measures such as washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask in public.
“As we approach the holiday season, we must remember that the pandemic is still active and dangerous. Therefore, we must avoid unnecessary travel, especially on public transport, and limit the frequency of public places such as restaurants, taverns or bars. Each of us needs to ensure that we take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to our families, especially to our elders, “the statement read.
“We must always maintain social distancing even when we gather as families to celebrate the holidays. Through our responsible behavior, we can all contribute to combat and contain the spread of COVID-19.”
Roads
The cabinet also approved the extension of the National State of Disaster until January 15, 2021.
“As South Africans take the time to enjoy the holidays with their families and friends, Cabinet encourages all of us to do so responsibly.
“In addition to complying with all health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we must also comply with the rules of the road to ensure that we all reach our destinations safely.
“Road safety is the responsibility of all South Africans and all drivers are urged to observe the speed limit, not to drink and drive, and not to drive recklessly and recklessly.
“Parents and caregivers are urged not to leave children unsupervised during the Christmas season. By working together to care, we can ensure a safe and happy holiday season.”
The cabinet also “strongly condemned the lawlessness affecting the trucking industry” and praised the quick response of the police in arresting suspects in Gauteng.
“The Cabinet offered its condolences to the families and colleagues of the drivers who [have] lost their lives and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“While we understand the frustrations of the violation of immigration laws by some companies, violence is not the solution. The cabinet asks all affected people to raise their concerns about the freight transport industry to the relevant structures. instead of resorting to violence.
“The Minister of Employment and Labor, Thulas Nxesi, leads a team of ministers dealing with this matter and is expected to present a concrete proposal to the cabinet to address all the disputes affecting the industry.”
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