| Nantes Park to come alive with the sound of stories | The day aims to shine a spotlight on the benefits of reading aloud to children. | <p>‘The day aims to shine a spotlight on the benefits of reading aloud to children. This activity, which can help parents and children bond as they share words, has an immense impact on the child’s development. </p><p>‘Children who are read stories often have improved language and listening skills, and they develop a love for reading that carries into adulthood. It also helps them how to navigate social situations, solve problems and gives wings to their imagination,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health,’ Councillor Patricia Van der Ross. </p><p>WRAD advocates for access to literacy and diverse stories, and this year City librarians from Athlone, Bonteheuwel, Bridgetown and Rylands will be joined by Nal’ibali and other role players to take 90 invited young children on a storywalk through Nantes Park.</p><p>Councillor van der Ross will join the group on the day, which will also kick off the City’s 1000 Stories before School reading campaign.</p><p>‘Many reading strategies focus on children who are about to start the foundation phase, but the City’s reading strategy encourages reading in a fun and educational way even before a child starts school. </p><p>‘The 1000 stories before School Campaign encourages pregnant moms to read to their unborn baby from 26 weeks of pregnancy as this is when baby starts to hear sounds outside of the womb. The aim is to reinforce the importance of bonding through reading and singing as the unborn baby gets used to the sound of their mother’s voice,’ said Councillor van der Ross.</p><p>The campaign hopes to inculcate a passion for stories from a young age through the various programmes being offered by City libraries and this includes pregnancy support groups, book sharing, pram jams and storytelling. </p><p>The five-year programme focuses on giving moms and babies, caregivers and ECD teachers access to books and stories</p><p>‘We hope that by the time the child starts school, words and reading will be second nature to them. If a child already starts with this firm footing, then learning will be smoother and easier,’ added Councillor van der Ross.</p><p>The material for the reading campaign was developed with the help of Nal’ibali, Mikhulu Trust, Department of Health, City Health, Book Dash, Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Wordworks, Early Learning Resource Unit, Western Cape Education Department and Western Cape Library Services. </p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2022-01-27T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| A festival of music, art, cuisine and artisan produce at first Long Street Market | The Long Street Market forms part of the efforts to revitalise the Cape Town CBD economy which is still recovering from the adverse impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic. | <p>The Long Street Market forms part of the efforts to revitalise the Cape Town CBD economy which is still recovering from the adverse impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic. </p><p>‘We are keen to do what we can to help restaurants and other entrepreneurs to contribute to revitalising our local economy. Our support for the Long Street Market is part of an effort to be creative in finding ways to help businesses still suffering from the impact of the global pandemic. It is also aimed at ensuring we can revitalise the CBD by providing residents with safe spaces where they can enjoy a good time with family and friends,’ said the City’s Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis. </p><p>The Long Street Market will feature three culturally distinct stages that will be showcasing local as well as international artists, food trucks, art exhibitions, bars, entertainers and artisanal stalls ranging from art vendors to fresh produce growers.</p><p>Due to the market, Long Street between Wale and Orange streets will be closed to traffic for the pedestrianised event. </p><p>‘It has been very heartening to see our public spaces being increasingly occupied by events over the last few months after a very long lull due to Covid-19 restrictions. This is a great indication that the events ecosystem and the tourism sector are steadily returning to stability. Our safety and security officials will assist to ensure the safety of those in attendance. We would like to urge everyone to be mindful of Covid-19 protocols and enjoy the festivities responsibly,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. </p><p>The first Long Street Market takes place this Saturday, 29 January 2022, from 14:00 until midnight. </p><p>Motorists are advised to take note of the temporary road closures that will be in place for the event and to plan their trips accordingly. </p><p>Road closures can be found here: <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Road%20Closures%20-%20Long%20Street%20Market.pdf" target="_blank">https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Road%20Closures%20-%20Long%20Street%20Market.pdf</a></p><p>The road closures will also affect MyCiTi routes 107 and 113 through Long Street. </p><p>Passengers are requested to make use of the Groote Kerk and Lower Kloof MyCiTi Bus stops. </p><p>A temporary bus stop will be placed to assist passengers to alight and disembark on Wale Street, only for use on days of the Long street Saturday Market closure.</p><p>The Upper Long and Dorp Street bus stops will be missed by the service. </p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2022-01-27T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| National chlorine supply stabilises while City builds reserves | The City of Cape Town notes stabilised production levels at the country’s main chlorine gas supplier for water purification purposes. | <p></p><p>The City of Cape Town notes stabilised production levels at the country’s main chlorine gas supplier for water purification purposes. The City is receiving chlorine deliveries as scheduled, while continuing with steps to build reserves. Read more below: </p><p>Cape Town’s tap water remains safe to drink and continues to meet national SANS241 drinking water quality standards at all times. </p><p>While national chlorine supply constraints have improved, the City deems it prudent to continue building reserves, and is already procuring chlorine gas substitutes locally while actively exploring all other alternatives. </p><p>Water is a precious resource and residents are reminded to be water-wise at all times, regardless of the season. Avoid using water wastefully, and fix leaks. </p><p>Visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/savewater" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/savewater</a> for useful guides on being water-wise and ways to save at home, and view the water use regulations in the Cape Town Water By-law. <br> </p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2022-01-27T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Areas affected by required routine electricity maintenance for next week, 31 January – 6 February 2022 | The City of Cape Town thanks customers for their patience as we do necessary routine maintenance on our electrical infrastructure next week in various areas of the metro | <p></p><p>Routine regular planned maintenance takes place daily in various areas across the metro. The City informs residents that maintenance will take place to allow them time to plan for the outage and to allow our teams sufficient time to complete the required maintenance tasks. Routine maintenance is also preceded by a door-to-door pamphlet drop. </p><p><strong>PLANNED ROUTINE ELECTRICITY MAINTENANCE 31 January – 6 February 2022</strong></p><p><strong>The areas that will be affected by the routine electricity supply interruptions due to necessary maintenance are:</strong><br></p><table width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>DATE</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>AREA AND LOCATION/STREET</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>START</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>COMPLETION FORECAST</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>31 January</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Newlands: </strong>Paradise, Union, Cross, Newlands</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>09:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>31 January</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Houtbay: </strong>Victoria, Mountain, Empire</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>09:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>15:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>1 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Somerset West: </strong>Quinan, South Avenue, East, Arum Avenue, Nerina Avenue</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>18:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>1 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Green Point: </strong>Warwick on Main Substation and vicinity</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>09:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>2 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Melkbos: </strong>Saxenburg, Brittlestar</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>23:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>2 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Kensington: </strong>Voortrekker</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>2 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Red Cross Hospital: </strong>Klipfontein Road c/o Milner Road</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>2 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Parow: </strong>Cilliers</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>13:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>2 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Lwandle: </strong>Linda, Hela, Diniso, Nonqubela, Chunyiswa, Madyiba and Nomasabatha</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:30</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>20:30</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>3 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Ottery: </strong>De Wet, Minstrel, David, Carol, Wooddale, Carissa, Anderson and Millville</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>06:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>3 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Milnerton: </strong>Tygerhof and vicinity</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>3 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Somerset West: </strong>Hibiskus, Ixia, Abelia, Kirkia, Ficus, Jasmyn, Juniper and Lourier</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:30</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>18:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>3 and 4 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Sea Point: </strong>Lido Substation and vicinity</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>23:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>05:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>4 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Somerset West: </strong>Gordon, Blossom, Plumtree, and Nooitgedacht</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:30</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>5 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Salt River: </strong>Westminster</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>5 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Ndabeni: </strong>Diesel</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Somerset West: </strong>De Beers Avenue and Jigger</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>06:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>18:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Somerset West: </strong>Spyker and Edgar</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>06:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>18:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Boston: </strong>Erf 35734 and Mike Pienaar</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>07:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>14:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Parow: </strong>Jenkinson and Matthee</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>07:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>12:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Kensington: </strong>17th, Hurricane, 18th, Factreton, Typhoon and Fortress</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Epping: </strong>Ikwezi Park</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>6 February</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>Epping: </strong>Jellicoe Avenue and Benbow Avenue</td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>08:00</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><strong>16:00</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align:left;">*Information is complete and correct at time of publication, but subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen conditions.</p><p style="text-align:left;">*It is standard practice to notify customers of planned maintenance via a pamphlet delivered door-to-door ahead of work. </p><p><strong>Tips:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Where possible, please switch off appliances at the wall socket ahead of maintenance to reduce the risk of damage caused by power surges.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The supply could be restored at any time, therefore residents should remember to treat all electrical installations as live for the full duration of the interruption.</div></li></ul><p><strong>Does planned maintenance take place during Eskom’s load-shedding?</strong><br>Yes. It is vital that the maintenance work is done, and as Eskom’s load-shedding announcements are done at such short notice, it unfortunately does happen that some areas will have a double impact of load-shedding and planned maintenance work on a given day, especially during the lower stages of load-shedding. From load-shedding Stage 4, planned maintenance is usually stopped due to the staff capacity required to implement load-shedding. Capacity might necessitate the stopping of maintenance work at lower stages too. It thus all depends on the situation at hand. Unfortunately in certain instances due to safety issues, we also have to continue with the planned maintenance otherwise bigger areas would have to be switched off at one time to still effect the necessary maintenance in the same timeframe, which would not be ideal. </p><p>Please note<strong>: Service requests typically increase during Eskom’s load-shedding. Please wait at least 30 minutes to report no </strong>power after the scheduled end of load-shedding. </p><p>City’s service channels (don't log the same request multiple times on multiple channels as this contributes to delays):<br><strong>Call Centre</strong>: 0860 103 089<br><strong>SMS</strong>: 31220 (standard charges apply)<br><strong>Online</strong>: <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests</a></p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2022-01-27T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
