Newcastle Municipality continues its fight against COVID-19

As South Africans enter the third week of the nationwide lockdown, the Newcastle Municipality is working tirelessly in this time of need.

As residents adjust to the lockdown regulations, essential service employees from the municipality are truly rising to the challenge. Something which is not going unnoticed.

Applauding the staff, Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba says he does have enough words to thank these staff, who have gone beyond the call of duty. Their efforts ensuring the municipality is fully functional during the lockdown.

“I am also touched by the resident who applauded our efforts in the midst of uncertainty. I’ve assured our residents that there is nothing to fear or doubt, if we practice proper hygiene, and not forgetting that washing our hands every time should be a norm.”

Over the past few days, Newcastle Municipality has rolled out a campaign to combat COVID-19.

On Wednesday, April 8, the municipality’s campaign took them to Fairleigh and Siyahlahla-la. Rolling up their sleeves, Dr Mahlaba says him and other municipal officials spent the day educating residents, focusing a lot on the importance of washing one’s hands.

“Our door-to-door campaign was aimed at highlighting the potential dangers associated with the COVID-19, and how we can proactively play a critical role in preventing an uncontrollable spread of the virus.”

Furthermore, the mayor and his team also held a number of demonstrations along the way.

“We calmly articulated the president’s message of why the lockdown was imperative and compulsory.”

During this time, Dr Mahlaba says the Amajuba District Municipality, the Department of Health and the Department of Cooperative Governance have joined hands to ensure that Covid-19 cases are flattened in our district.

“The teams handed out soaps, sanitizers and information packs to the residents. So far, we’ve only recorded eight case in our district,” says Dr Mahlaba.

As South Africa continues to fight against COVID-19, Dr Mahalba urges Newcastillians to ensure that we protect the elderly and vulnerable during these difficult times.

“We understand that global figures have indicated that the elderly are more at risk of succumbing to the virus. We caution the youth, in particular, to refrain from roaming the streets. I’m concerned and worried for our elderly citizens.”

Furthermore, Dr Mahlaba says the municipality will not rest until it comes up with tangible solutions to address the challenges that our communities face.

“It was humbling to witness a community that had a desire to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the president, despite the many challenges that they faced.”

Listening to the concerns of residents from Fairleigh and Siyahlala-la, Dr Mahlaba assures the municipality will be working closely with ward councillors and the Department of Social Development.

This is to ensure that those who need urgent government intervention are catered for.

“We’ve also called upon businesses to assist us with food supplies and blankets for those who are struggling during this time. We also make a plea to community members who can assist the less fortunate, to lend a hand. As this is in line with the president’s clarion call for South Africans to join hands in the fight against the virus. We will closely monitor these communities.”

Dr Mahlaba reminds residents about the mass disinfection program at various taxi ranks around Newcastle.

“The program will be extended to shopping malls, streets, clinics and police stations. The aim of this exercise is to prevent the virus from spreading faster,” he says.

During this time, residents are urged to give the disinfection teams space to conduct their duties. Furthermore, a number of streets will be closed, especially at night.

While the Newcastle Municipality contributes to the fight against COVID-19, be sure to do your part and abide to the lockdown regulations.