Bitou community engagements to occur in new year

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says due to the hostspot alert issued in the Garden Route District, as a result of the rapid increase in covid-19 cases, the planned engagements for this month with the leadership of the Qolweni community and the broader New Horizon community would have to take place early in the new year.

These engagements are part of the feedback about the planned housing development in the area.

Minister Simmers said: “I’ve written to the leadership of New Horizon and Qolweni communities, to inform them of the postponement. I’d like to take this opportunity and apologise to all affected community members and assure everyone that just as we’ve engaged in a transparent manner, we remain committed to further and continued engagements.

Since these engagements include large groups, it is critical that at this stage, we avoid all types of events and activities that could be regarded as super spreaders of the virus.

My office will in due course communicate new dates for these engagements to take place.

I’d like to also use this opportunity to implore every person in the entire Garden Route District to adhere to all covid safety protocols. This would include regular mask wearing, sanitising and washing of hands, keeping a safe distance and when you’re out to always take extra care.

We have an opportunity to turn this infection rate around and drastically reduce its spread, particularly since we want to at all cost avoid a second wave across the entire province.”