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 Muizenberg

The 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