 | Drakenstein Municipality ready to tackle lawlessness this festive season
13 December 2024 | Press Releases |
13 December 2024
The festive season is officially here and Drakenstein Municipality, together with its safety partners, are committed to maintaining a safe environment for Drakenstein's residents and visitors alike.
On Friday, 13 December 2024, it was all systems go in Berg River Boulevard, Paarl, when the Municipality's Safer Festive Season Readiness Plan was introduced to stakeholders. The Safer Festive Season Readiness Plan focusses on road and traffic safety, law enforcement, fire safety, riverbank safety, safety at municipal swimming pools and resorts, and tourism and visitor safety.
“This festive season our Public Safety Department will focus on maintaining and promoting the safety of the public. We want every resident and every visitor in Drakenstein to feel safe during this festive time; therefore we will not tolerate any illegal behaviour in our towns. If every resident upholds the law, we will already have a safer environment," says Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality.
The Municipality's Public Safety Department, which includes its Law Enforcement division, Traffic Services, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Green Rangers, plans to build on the integral partnerships forged this past year. Its history of close collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), community police forums (CPFs), law enforcement agencies, farm and neighbourhood watches, and registered private security companies, already proved to deliver the desired results.
“The festive season is a busy time in Drakenstein. It is a time when we should celebrate with family and friends, but we must celebrate in a responsible way. We appeal to our residents to give their full cooperation. Together we can ensure that Drakenstein is a safe place for everyone," said Mayor Korabie.
In his keynote address the Western Cape's Provincial Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, implored all road users to be responsible during the festive season. He also encouraged all law enforcement officers to be friendly but firm while dealing with the public.
“Statistics show that we will experience a boom in the number of people coming to visit our province. All indications are that the majority of visitors will arrive this weekend. From experience we know the biggest number of visitors will be visiting the Metro and Drakenstein.
“While we welcome and appreciate them coming to our province, the influx of visitors poses a significant risk for injuries and fatalities because of road accidents. Hence, I urge and encourage everyone to take responsibility for your own and other's safety while we drive, walk or cycle on our roads. I plead that everyone in Drakenstein travel and return safely. Please do not become a sad statistic."
“My message to drivers is to please adhere to all road rules and not to drink and drive. Do not speed and do not use your mobile phones while driving. We will fine you. When you get tired, please take a break. And I am very passionate about this one - make sure your car is roadworthy. I am encouraging passengers to ensure that the driver is responsible and doing all the right things."
The launch concluded with a roadblock conducted by the Municipality's Traffic Services and Law Enforcement division.
Key focus areas of Drakenstein Municipality's Safer Festive Season Readiness Plan include:
Road and traffic safety
- Random vehicle checkpoints will be set up across Drakenstein to check for unroadworthy vehicles and invalid vehicle or driver's licenses.
- Drunk drivers will be prosecuted.
- Strict actions will be taken against unroadworthy taxis, reckless driving, operating on unlicensed routes, overloading, speeding, and traffic obstructions during pickups or drop-offs, all subject to full legal prosecution.
Safety along the banks of the Berg River
- During the hot summer months, many people gather along the Berg River to cool down. However, we urge residents not to swim in the Berg River due to its unpredictable depth and flow.
- Law enforcement agencies will regularly patrol the Berg River area (on foot and in vehicles) to swiftly address any bylaw violations.
- A mobile security booth will be stationed near the footbridge at the Berg River, manned daily by an official with a radio and incident log.
- Drone patrols will provide aerial support, and the Green Rangers will use bicycles to patrol the Paarl Arboretum and surrounding areas.
Safety at municipal swimming pools and resorts
- National Sea Rescue Institute-trained lifeguards will be on duty at all public swimming pools during opening hours, and visitors are urged to follow their instructions in the interest of safety.
- Children should never be left unsupervised.
- Underaged children will not be allowed access to our pools without adult supervision.
- Behaviour such as alcohol consumption, indecency, or vulgar language will not be tolerated.
- For the safety of all patrons, when the swimming pool facilities reach their maximum capacity, no more visitors will be allowed to enter.
Fire safety
- The dry summer season poses an increased risk for both structure fires (when a building is on fire) and veld/bush fires (taking place outside urban areas). The Municipality has a comprehensive response structure in place for both structure and veld fires.
- Drakenstein Municipality's Fire and Rescue Services is operational 24/7 and additional resources are called in from nearby stations as and when required.
- The Municipality will proudly take possession of a new fire engine this month which will play an integral part in fighting fires in Drakenstein.
- For the public's benefit, important fire prevention tips are being shared weekly during the festive season via the Municipality's official Facebook page, WhatsApp channel, and website.
Law enforcement
- As an essential component of Drakenstein Municipality's Safer Festive Season Readiness campaign, law enforcement will be executed through a strategic and collaborative approach.
- The focus will be on an integrated and swift response to instances of violations of municipal bylaws, and other safety concerns.
- In addition to the Municipality's Law Enforcement officers, its Green Rangers will actively patrol the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and the Paarl Arboretum to ensure a safe environment for nature lovers.
Tourism and visitor safety
- Drakenstein Municipality has identified a comprehensive list of hotspots for tourism-related crimes, such as the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Paarl Arboretum, Joubert and Victoria Parks in Wellington, and Main Road in Paarl, among others. These areas will be patrolled to ensure tourist and visitor safety.
- The National Department of Tourism has allocated dedicated tourism monitors, trained in safety and security, to the Western Cape, of which nine has been allocated to Drakenstein Municipality and are deployed at various hotspots.
- The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism runs a dedicated 24/7 Tourism Safety Support Hotline (082 554 2010) to assist tourists in distress.
Illegal dumping
The Municipality's teams will focus on the identified illegal hotspots and perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law.
Emergency contact numbers
- To report a crime, call your nearest police station or 10111. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 or 112 from any mobile telephone.
- To report a municipal bylaw contravention, contact Drakenstein Municipality's Law Enforcement division at 021 807 8508.
- To report a fire, call Drakenstein Municipality's Fire and Rescue Services on 021 872 2323 (all hours).
- In case of distress, tourists can contact the Drakenstein Municipality Control Room at 021 807 8501, which will activate patrolling law enforcement officials, emergency services, and the SAPS.
- For service-related enquiries, contact the Municipality at 080 131 3553 (toll free) or e-mail customercare@drakenstein.gov.za.
- Report non-emergency issues on SeeClickFix. Download the SeeClickFix app here: iOS: https://apple.co/3T4bnJa or Android: https://bit.ly/3T0VtiC.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
