City of Cape Town launches its festive season readiness plan
The City of Cape Town kicked off its festive season readiness plan in Muizenberg, on Saturday.
More than 4 000 law enforcement officers are expected to
patrol over this period, and 600 lifeguards at identified beaches and public
swimming pools. The municipality says beaches, pools, roads and parks are the
biggest focus areas of safety efforts over the festive season. The plan
identifies the operational focus areas as well as priority deployment areas.
‘’We want Capetonians and visitors to be safe in our city
this summer. Our beaches, pools, roads and parks are the biggest focus areas of
our safety efforts over the festive season, as locals and visitors take
advantage of Cape Town’s many beautiful attractions and weather. In addition,
thousands of staff members in other departments too are working to keep our
city clean and functioning so that our residents can safely enjoy the summer
season and the year-end festivities,’’ said Executive Mayor, Geordin
Hill-Lewis.
PICTURE - CoCT: Aerial view of City officials on integrated operations in MuizenbergThe City has raised concerns over the amount of alcohol being
consumed in public spaces. During the last festive season, officers confiscated
8 699 bottles of alcohol, amounting to 4 786,66 litres. Mayco meber for Safety
& Security, JP Smith said Boxing Day and New Year’s Day poses the biggest
challenge.
‘’The City invests a lot of time and money in ensuring
public safety all year round, but in particular over the festive season. Apart
from the visible policing, a lot of work happens behind the scenes. It is a
mammoth task, but one that we have refined over many years of implementation.
‘’However, the plan is also contingent on everyone doing
their bit and so I appeal to the public to work with us this year by taking
responsibility for their personal safety. Be aware of your surroundings at all
times, know where your children are and ensure that they are supervised at all
times, but most importantly, leave the alcohol at home, and when you have been
drinking, please don’t get behind the wheel of your car,’’ he added.
An executive summary of the plan, can be found here
Done By: Mitchum George
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