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Port Elizabeth COVID-19 Update

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COVID-19 Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality update: Saturday, 28 March

Despite numerous hiccups, focused efforts to enforce and coordinate the 21 days lockdown period, decreed by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week, continued in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Civil disobedience

The widespread civil disobedience of the national lockdown regulations stipulating residents must remain indoors unless they have valid reasons to travel, has slightly improved. Hotspot areas have been identified in the Northern Areas and both the South African Police Services and Metro Police have been concentrating on enforcement today. We are calling on the public to adhere to the restrictions.

Relief efforts

At least 73 homeless people are accommodated at the Walmer Town Hall and another 25 people at the Jarman Hall in Schauderville at this stage. Municipal law enforcement divisions are not only busy with the implementation of roving roadblocks to enforce national regulations for the 21 days lockdown period, they are also identifying areas where groups of homeless people are based. Walmer Town Hall and Jarman Hall currently have occupants. Other halls where homeless individuals are directed to are Uitenhage Town Hall, Babs Madlakane Hall and NU2 Community Hall.

Weapons confiscated

Knives, needles and numerous weapons have been confiscated by the police at the Walmer Town Hall from the current occupants.

Fines

Five fines of R5 000 each (totalling R25 000) were issued at a combined roadblock by South African Police Services and Metro Police in Melkbos Avenue in Uitenhage. One of the vehicles exceeding the 60% capacity regulation was a municipal operational vehicle deployed as part of their essential service duties.

Water supply update

We can confirm that water supply to most western suburbs from Westering up to Bridgemeade has been restored with the exception of the Greenbushes reservoir providing water to Colleen Glen, Kuyga and St. Albans amongst others. The water level of the Chelsea reservoir is currently at 24% and must be above 60% in order for the water storage level of the Greenbushes reservoir to increase.

Water tankers

At the moment we have two water tankers at St. Albans prison, one at Parsonsvlei, one at Greenbushes, Colleen Glen (1) another at Rowallan Park and two in the Kuyga area.

The 300 mm in diameter burst pipe, in the servitude, behind Butterwood Road was repaired last night and water was restored to affected areas. A smaller pipe supplying some standpipes was also damaged during excavations and is currently being repaired.

We are aware of water supply disruptions to Extension 22 and 30. [03/28, 11:18] Walter Shaidi: Water is back on in western areas. Greenbushes is still a problem. We will be deploying more water trucks here.

Dam levels

Residents are requested to continue to use water sparingly as the dam levels are currently at 24,73% due to prevailing drought conditions. When continuously washing hands as part of the COVID-19 protocol, residents are advised to wet their hands, close taps, apply soap and wash hands for twenty seconds while the taps are closed. Hands should be rinse afterwards with water and taps closed immediately to preserve water.

Due to an electrical supply disruption to the Churchill Water Treatment Works since 3am today and the fact that the Impofu dam is empty, consumers could also experience disruptions in the emerald hill zone as it is currently at 13% with zero inflow. Consumers feeding directly off the Churchill pipeline will experience disruptions. This includes the Kouga Municipality.

Dedicated webpage

A dedicated webpage on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality website http://www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/page/covid-19 has been established to share numerous aspects of the Nelson Mandela Bay Disaster Management response to the pandemic including frequently asked questions.

For more information go to www.sacoronavirus.co.za, the national helpline 0800 029 999 or whatsapp 060 012 3456.

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NMB Communications

Media Communications at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department is responsible for communicating pertinent Municipal news from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Municipality Contact Details. See more articles by NMB Communication's.