With the festive season upon us Drakenstein Municipality, together with its safety partners, last week said it remained resolute in maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
On Friday 13 December 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 focuses 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,” said 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 it has forged this past year.
“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 Korabie.
In his keynote address the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, implored all road users to be responsible during the festive season.
“Statistics show we will experience a boom in the number of people visiting our province.
“All indications are that the majority of visitors will arrive this weekend. From experience we know the biggest number of visitors will visit 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 through road accidents.
Hence, I urge and encourage everyone to take responsibility for your own and others’ 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 please to adhere to all road rules and not 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.”
Key focus areas of Drakenstein Municipality’s Safer Festive Season Readiness Plan this year include:. Road and traffic safety. Safety along the banks of the Berg River. Safety at municipal swimming pools and resorts. Fire safety. Law enforcement
