ESSENTIAL service delivery will continue across Kouga during the nationwide Cornonavirus (Covid-19) 21-day lockdown.
This is the assurance of Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks as thousands of Kouga residents prepare to stay home for the next three weeks.
Hendricks said that municipal services considered “critical” would continue during this time.
“Refuse will still be collected on the usual days, sewer tanks will be emptied, drinking water will be treated to the required standard and electrical staff will be ready to deal with any power interruptions,” he said.
“The Kouga Call Centre will also be operational during this time for communities to log service requests or report faults.”
He said certain municipal operations would, however, be interrupted temporarily.
“In terms of national guidelines road resealing and the filling of potholes are not considered critical during this time. Our road repair programme will, therefore, be suspended for the duration of the lockdown,” he said.
“This is also true for grass-cutting and general infrastructure maintenance.”
He said the Kouga Traffic Department would also be closed for licence and registration applications. “However, our Traffic officers, along with the municipality’s Law Enforcement and Security sections, will still be working to help keep communities safe.”
He said all municipal units and facilities, including beaches and parks, would be closed to the public.
“Account balance queries can be directed to the call centre while residents are encouraged to make use of internet banking or alternative paypoints to pay their accounts.”
The Kouga Call Centre can be contacted at 042 200 2200 (option 5). Service requests and complaints can also be reported to the call centre or through the Link service delivery app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Hendricks asked all communities to remain calm and adhere to the requirements of the lockdown.
“Food stores and medical services will remain open, but we encourage residents not to go out unless it is absolutely necessary. If you need to buy food, avoid taking anyone with you. It is safest to go alone and take the necessary precautions.”
He said arrangements were also under way so as to ensure that those who are homeless have a place to stay during this time.
“The municipality has, furthermore, in partnership with stakeholder groups been distributing soap to disadvantaged areas.”
He said donations could also be made to the Kouga Mayoral Fund to purchase supplies for those families who have nothing. Should you wish to make a donation, please send an email to ajonck@kouga.gov.za.
“We urge everyone to adhere to the President’s call – please stay home, look after one another and check official government channels for updates,” Hendricks said.
“Let’s take this extraordinary action to stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep Kouga safe.”
