Protection Services the ‘backbone support’ during Covid-19

GEORGE NEWS - Since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, traffic and law enforcement officers have been involved in a range of activities including visible policing, patrolling, supporting security and emergency agencies, looking out for criminal activity, distributing posters and loudhailing in neighbourhoods to warn people to stay off the streets.

George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said Fire and Disaster Management, Traffic, Law Enforcement, Anti-Land Invasion and the Go George bus service played crucial roles in the bigger picture.

“George Municipality Protection Services remain the backbone support of Covid-19 lockdown operations with all sections playing a role in keeping people safe,” said Botha.

The George Municipality is part of the Garden Route Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee (formerly the Garden Route District Municipality Joint Operations Centre) but has also established its own George Municipal Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to coordinate municipal operations. Managed by the municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management units, the George JOC has representatives from all relevant departments connecting every day to provide feedback, share resources and come up with solutions to issues as they occur. “The municipality is blessed to have experienced, professional, selfless people working together to make a difference in our communities,” said Botha.

Activities
Law Enforcement supported the police in assisting other departments to safely provide services, including installation of water points and restoring electricity.

Traffic officers continue with traffic safety, point duty and dangerous road offences such as skipping traffic lights, smooth tyres, driving while using a cellphone and driving without a safety belt.

Anti-Land Invasion assisted in transporting the homeless to the temporary shelter and continues to enforce municipal by-laws such as illegal informal vendors, illegal structures and occupations, vagrants and closing businesses not allowed to operate during lockdown.

Fire department staff is integral to the establishment and management of the drive-through donation centre at City Hall – this in addition to their usual duties fighting fires. Since the start of the lockdown, the department has attended to a few reports of veldfires as well as a bush fire at Touwsranten, where it was joined by the Garden Route Fire Department and the aerial fire-fighting unit, and an informal structure fire in Thembalethu.

Go George continues to provide a limited service to transport essential workers. Strict safety protocols are enforced.

“Our men and women in protection services are exceptional in filling gaps and helping out wherever they are needed, making a difference where it matters. We are very proud of their attitude and commitment, sometimes in the face of conflict and difficult circumstances - we see and appreciate all their work,” said Botha.

Law Enforcement officer Jason Rondganger dishes up food at the temporary homeless shelter at Rosemoor Stadium.