| Cape Town-made rescue boat wins for innovation at global awards | This week I had the opportunity to inspect this revolutionary boat at the Bellville shipyard of Droomers Yahama | <p></p><span><p>This week I had the opportunity to inspect this revolutionary boat at the Bellville shipyard of Droomers Yahama, who partnered with Admiral Powercats in designing and producing the JetRIB. It was made especially for the National Sea Rescue Institute which has decades-long experience in conducting rescues along South Africa’s notoriously treacherous 3 000km coastline.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/BOATING%20SECTOR1.jpg" alt="" style="width:954px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Cape Town’s boat-builders are industry leaders when it comes to innovation, design, and quality, and is the primary driver in helping the Western Cape become the largest marine manufacturing centre within South Africa, generating over R2,3 billion in 2018 in exports revenue, and housing approximately 45% of the country’s boat-builders.</p><p>The city’s boating exports have grown by approximately 20,5% year-on-year since 2014, ultimately attracting a positive trade balance of around R1,042 billion annually.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/BOATING%20SECTOR2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1420px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><br>At the same time, the industry has also supported more than 11 000 jobs in Cape Town.</p><p>One of my proudest moments as a Mayco member was the launch of the City-funded BlueCape, which is working closely with companies to expand on the benefits of Cape Town’s ocean economy and provide jobs and social upliftment.</p><p>BlueCape and its partners will focus on three growth areas: marine manufacturing (boat-building, surfboards, kites, sailing apparel, wetsuits, etc); superyacht production and maintenance; and ocean sports (recreation, events and adventure tourism).</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/BOATING%20SECTOR3.jpg" alt="" style="width:920px;" /> </figure><p>By working together, we can take Cape Town’s boat-building industry to the next level while providing more job opportunities for the people of our city.</p><p><strong>End</strong></p></span><p><span></span></p> | 2021-09-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City officially opens Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station | The City continues to invest in the safety and health of communities to ensure essential services are available to residents. | <p></p><span><p>‘The City continues to invest in the safety and health of communities to ensure essential services are available to residents. Fire stations are centres of emergency response and the frontline personnel deployed work hard to safeguard lives and homes when called out to incidents. The location of the fire station, which has been operational since July 2020, is based on the growing demand presented by surrounding areas. From this station, firefighters will be able to respond quickly to possible fires in Sir Lowry’s Pass and neighbouring areas,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato. <br><br>Sir Lowry’s Pass will cover Riemvasmaak, Uitkyk Informal Settlement and Rasta Camp Nomzamo, Lwandle, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Chris Nissen Park up to the eastern boundary between the Gordon’s Bay and Grabouw area. <br><br> ‘The location was chosen so that residents benefit directly as it not only improves response times, but also allows for direct access to an essential service', said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/FIRE%20TRUCK1.jpg" alt="" style="width:792px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Furthermore, the newly completed extension of the Onverwacht Road, which was anticipated and assisted in guiding the location of the station, will speed up response times.<br><br>The fire station has an engine room with one fire engine, one support fire vehicle, currently seven fire fighters per shift and additional seasonal firefighters during the summer season.<br><br>In addition, the station has a medical treatment room, which is available on a 24-hour basis to treat and stabilise patients before transportation to healthcare facilities.<br><br>There is also a retention dam on site that will be used to reduce the use of potable water for ablution facilities.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/FIRE%20TRUCK22.jpg" alt="" style="width:916px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><br>The completion of the Sir Lowry’s Pass fire station has brought the number of fire stations within the city to 32, with a total number of 944 firefighters, including those who are currently in training.<br>'The City’s Fire & Rescue Service has a proud tradition of service and we hope the new station will become an integral part of the community. I call on the community to embrace this facility and support our staff in uniform who put their own lives at risk for others,' said Alderman Smith.<br>Apart from responding to fires, the City’s Fire and Rescue Service is also equipped to assist with special service calls, including trauma, assault, motor vehicle accidents and hazardous material spills. </p><p>There has been a marked reduction in the number of these calls in the last two financial years, since the Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdown regulations.</p><p>From 10 371 special service calls in 2018/19, the number dropped to 8 500 in 2019/20 and even further to 7 203 in 2020/21.</p><p>‘This drop in special service calls means our Fire and Rescue Service responded to fewer motor vehicle accidents, and fewer trauma cases and had fewer people walk into their stations requiring medical treatment for injuries. It is one more example of the impact of the curfew and intermittent alcohol bans over the past 16 months. We are also seeing it in our enforcement statistics, and of course it has also been evident in the dramatic reduction in trauma cases in our hospitals,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p>The last twelve-month reporting period saw a marked increase in overall fire incidents. The big driver was vegetation fires, although residential (formal and informal dwelling) fires also increased by between three and four percent year-on-year. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/fire%20truck33.jpg" alt="" style="width:586px;" /> </figure></span><p><span>The number of fatalities increased from 170 to 188. Just over half of those who died (54%) were adult males. </span></p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;"><strong>Category</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;"><strong>2019/2020</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:33.33%;"><strong>2020/2021</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Overall Incidents</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">22 497</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">22 634</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Special Service Calls</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">8 500</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">7 203</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Fire (Overall)</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">13 997</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">15 431</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Vegetation Fires</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">9 694</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">11 003</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Informal Residential Fires</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 636</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 702</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Formal Residential Fires</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 383</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">1 447</td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default">Fatalities</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">170</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default">188</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>‘The increase in fire incidents could be due to any number of factors, including arson, human error or negligence but also weather conditions. The City continues to focus on scaling up firefighting resources, with additional fire stations like Kommetjie Road that has opened its doors in the last year, but also investing in equipment and human resources. Fire safety education and awareness too is ongoing, although these efforts have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. </p><p>‘We appeal to the public to do their bit in ensuring that their environment is fire safe. Make sure that stoves or other cooking and heating devices are on stable surfaces, that electrical sockets are not overloaded, and that electrical work is carried out by certified electricians. More importantly, when working with open flames or any flammable substances, never leave these unattended and keep children away from lighters or matches. If you are able to, fit smoke detectors in your home and acquire fire extinguishers, but more importantly, make sure you and your family know who to call in the event of a fire. Also, if you see a vegetation fire, do not assume that someone else has reported it,’ added Alderman Smith.</p><p>More fire safety tips and information is available here: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety</a></p><p>Fires or any other emergency can be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2021-09-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Applications for lifeguard recruitment extended | Last month, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department started with candidate assessments for seasonal lifeguard vacancies. | <p>The Recreation and Parks Department has opened a second round of applications for lifeguard recruitment to fill 300 remaining vacancies for both swimming pool and beach lifeguards. Although over 1000 applications were received, many candidates didn’t make the cut due to not having the minimum requirements listed in the job description, incomplete applications on e-recruitment and failure to complete fitness and technical competency practical assessments, among other requirements.</p><div> <span>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Lifeguards.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> </figure></span>Lifeguard hopefuls can still apply during the second round of applications, which opened on Wednesday, 15 September 2021. It will close two weeks later on 27 September 2021.</div><div> </div><div>The criteria for becoming a lifeguard is carefully considered and only candidates who make it through all levels of assessment are deemed qualified and capable to safeguard lives on the City’s beaches and at swimming pools.</div><div> </div><div>The Recreation and Parks Department would like to encourage candidates from all areas to apply as there is a shortfall of placements in local areas outside of popular beaches and tourist destinations.<br></div><div><br></div><div><img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Lifeguards%201.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></div><div><span></span><br></div><div> </div><div>All candidates have to pass a physical assessment where their capabilities and fitness level must be up to standard. Pool lifeguards are required to swim 100 metres in under two minutes, while beach lifeguards are tested to swim 400 metres in under eight minutes.</div><div> </div><div>Those who wish to apply, should visit www.capetown.gov.za/lifeguards and register on e-recruitment to complete the application form online. Please note that cellphones are not compatible to complete the application online and a computer should be used.</div><div> <br></div><div><span>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/DSC_4648.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:951px;" /> </figure></span>'We would like to encourage and invite residents who have the necessary skills to apply and become a City lifeguard. Lifeguards have an important role in safeguarding our beautiful beaches and swimming pools and to assist and rescue swimmers in distress. Lifeguards also have an important educational role by informing beachgoers about safe swimming practices and the dangers of rip currents. Many residents will visit the beaches and swimming pools in summer and we need the assistance of qualified lifeguards to ensure a safe recreational environment,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</div><p><br></p> | 2021-09-16T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City’s R7,8m Wallacedene upgrade project on track | The City of Cape Town’s R7,8 million Wallacedene 4 in 1 informal settlement upgrade project is going well | <p></p><span><p>The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi, along with other dignitaries and City officials visited this Upgrading of Informal Settlements Project in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein today, 16 September 2021. </p><p>The settlement will have sewer and water connections on a one-on-one basis and roads and stormwater services. Construction is under way and progressing well. The underground services and roads are complete and the City is currently placing toilets and water points on each serviced site. This is in line with the City’s commitment of bringing greater formality to informal settlements where it is possible to do so, to mainstream basic services provision and to improve the lives of its most vulnerable residents amid rapid urbanisation and growing informality.<br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/wallecedene1.jpg" alt="" style="width:944px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><br>‘The R7,8 million project is expected to be completed toward the end of this year, if all goes according to plan. Households from Wallacedene 4 in 1 informal settlement and other qualifying beneficiaries will be accommodated with improved living conditions. It also enables economic opportunities in the area due to local labour, and other services, being used where possible. Importantly, our redesign and upgrade enhances safety as clear access ways are being created for basic and emergency services. In this settlement, and others across the metro, which has been created in an unplanned manner by occupants, structures are so close together that it is an extreme health and safety risk. Our City teams find it difficult to provide basic and emergency services, where we can. It is essential that this be improved for these residents.</p><p>‘We are not going to address the extreme housing need in Cape Town, and in the rest of South Africa, by focusing only on the formal subsidy housing model. We are going to have to be innovative and drive the upgrade of informal settlements where it is possible to do so. That is why we have earmarked more than R1,3 billion for formalising informal accommodation such as informal settlements and backyard dwellings in the medium term. </p><p>‘Urbanisation is not a municipal challenge alone, all tiers of government, the private sector and civic organisations, must work together and ensure that we work together to address rapid urbanisation. We must bring our communities on board with the alternatives that there are on offer. These upgrade projects are all about partnerships and innovation. This project, as with all City projects, is dependent on community support and cooperation. We thank the communities for their patience and for working with the City over the years to ensure that this upgrade project becomes a reality,’ said Councillor Booi.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Cllr%20Booi%20and%20Diaan%20Rangole.jpg" alt="" style="width:935px;" /> </figure><strong>Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:</strong><br>Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.<br> <br><strong> </strong><br><strong>End</strong></span> | 2021-09-15T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
