Fact Sheet: City of Cape Town - Peak Season Preparedness 2006

• Tourism growth is expected to be 3% higher than last year.
• The projected influx for the last quarter of the year and the first quarter of 2007 amounts to nearly 1 million.
• Tourism revenue for 2005 grew by 6% to R12,9 billion (international) and R1,97 billion (domestic).
• December and January are the busiest tourism months.

• The City maintains 72 beaches along its 307 km coastline, from Silwerstroom Beach near Atlantis to Kogel Bay near Gordon's Bay.
• Three City beaches - Mnandi, Clifton's Fourth and Bikini Beach in Gordon's Bay - have Blue Flag status with 24 hour cleaning and security services.
• A total of 254 lifesavers will be doing duty at beaches and pools.
• 100 additional law enforcement officers will assist the SAPS and the Metro Police Department (MPD) with safety at the various beaches.
• 120 City staff have been trained to provide emergency care at 10 strategic points along the coastline.
• 30 emergency shark attack kits are available at beaches with high shark activity.
• 11 lifesaving clubs are equipped with personal shark shields to assist lifesavers in their duties.
• Shark spotting programmes are to be expanded to include the areas of Muizenberg, St James, Fish Hoek, Mnandi, Blue Waters, Monwabisi, Strand, Koeël Bay, Glencairn, Long Beach, Kommetjie and De Hoek.

• 1 525 uniformed and seasonal staff are on duty to execute metropolitan policing in partnership with SAPS.
• 624 officers will be assigned to ensure law enforcement throughout the city.
• 380 will handle traffic enforcement, patrols and enhance traffic flow.
• 148 will oversee the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
• High visibility will be maintained, both by officers in vehicles and on foot.
• Officers will adopt a zero tolerance approach regarding reckless, negligent and drunken driving.
• Stiff fines and strict enforcement of parking and other traffic regulations, especially iro pedestrians.

• Dedicated team is ready to receive emergency calls at the City's 107 call centre (Telkom lines).
• Cell phone users need to call 021 480 7700 to reach this call centre.
• 690 full-time fire-fighters at 28 fire stations are assisted by 54 seasonal fire-fighters and 28 reservists.
• One helicopter for aerial fire fighting based in Cape Town, an additional helicopter on standby at Newlands.
• Multi-disciplinary team in place to address a multitude of disaster situations.
• Close liaison with Sanparks and Working-on-fire (Department of Water and Forestry)

• R16 million allocated for 984 additional cleaners, extra trucks and disposal teams to maintain beaches, CBDs and main arterial routes.
• Refuse removal services will continue as usual - including public holidays.
• Public amenities and services
• Total of 144 public toilets, 70 at beaches.
• 80% of ablution facilities accessible for disabled persons.
• Transport, Roads and Stormwater department to maintain normal services over peak season.
• Information on the schedules of trains and buses is available from Metrotrans Info, Tel: 0800 65 64 63

• The current water restrictions still apply - no watering of gardens between 10:00 and 17:00.
• Conserve energy by switching off lights and appliances when not in use.

Issued by:
Jan Kruger
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 1292
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
Cityof Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Bongani Maqungwana
Executive Support Officer: Office of Cllr Ximbi:
Mayoral Committee Member : Safety And Security
Tel: 021 400 3794