Making a difference in COVID -19 hotspots

The Western Cape Government (WCG) implemented a targeted Hotspot Strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each WCG Head of Department was tasked with planning and implementing behaviour change interventions to slow the spread of the disease in hotspots – specifically targeted geographical areas where the virus was spreading rapidly.

The Department of Transport and Public Works was assigned two hotspots to manage – the Southern hotspot (focusing on Hout Bay, Masiphumelele, Lotus River, Grassy Park and Retreat) and the Western hotspot (focusing on Atlantis, Du

Noon and Langa).

The fieldwork in these hotspots took place in collaboration with local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), local faithbased organisations (FBOs), local schools, ward councillors, the City of Cape Town, and other WCG departments.

DTPW provided assistance to communities for slowing down COVID-19 and to safeguard public safety in the hotspot areas it was responsible for. It did this providing access to necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and identifying and resolving systemic issues that make it a challenge for communities to implement COVID-19 safety measures.

The Department provided the taxi industry with health guidelines, PPE, and informational display materials on COVID-19 safety.

DPTW monitored the compliance of businesses in implementing safety measures in the hotspot areas through facilitating public reporting on incidents of noncompliance.

In addition, DTPW held workshop discussions around the sustainability of and support for food gardens and soup kitchens to alleviate the plight of poor people in the Southern and Western hotspots.

DTPW assisted in sourcing and distributing bicycles to organisations that use these to distribute food aid and other relief to people in surrounding areas.

This business model effectively kick-starts township-based bicycle programmes and helps to support the idea of non-motorised transport as a viable way of travelling and transporting goods.