The ongoing minibus-taxi strike in Cape Town has been causing disruptions and safety concerns for commuters. In response, the city’s authorities are taking extraordinary measures to protect the people and maintain a safe environment.
Monitoring the Situation
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, recently traveled on a MyCiTi bus from Mitchells Plain Town Centre to the Civic Centre station to personally monitor the efforts of City officials and law enforcement agencies.
Ensuring Safety for Commuters
Various City directorates have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of commuters. Law enforcement agencies are monitoring up to 200 bus trips daily, escorting around 72 bus trips as needed, from 5:00 in the morning until the last bus is back at the depot at 23:30. This Herculean effort is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to keeping its residents safe.
Mayor Hill-Lewis commended the hard work of City officials and SAPS officers, emphasizing that their primary concern is the protection of commuters. He expressed his gratitude for their vigilance and urged SANTACO to return to the negotiation table peacefully.
Councillor Rob Quintas echoed this sentiment, noting that the commitment of City officials to ensuring the safety of MyCiTi staff, commuters, and other operators is commendable. He also emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by the City.
Adapting to the Situation
As the strike impacts various City services, the authorities continue to adapt their response. The MyCiTi bus service, Dial-a-Ride, and urban waste management have all been affected. Law enforcement vehicles escort buses on volatile routes and respond to emergencies or requests for assistance as needed. The City advises commuters who rely on the minibus-taxi industry to make alternative travel arrangements or work from home whenever possible.
Challenges on Waste Collection Services
Waste collection services have been hampered due to violent protests and intimidation. The City urges affected residents not to dump waste illegally and to keep it on their property until it is safe to clear the backlog. Cleansing services have also been impacted, resulting in increased challenges around contracted services in informal settlements. Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and to clean their areas where possible.
Limited Water and Sanitation Services
The water and sanitation department is operating with limited staff, resulting in delayed services. However, operational teams are on standby to attend to severe needs outside of hotspot areas. Despite these challenges, all water treatment plants remain operational, and the City continues to comply with South African National Standards for drinking water.
Electricity Services Disruption
Electricity services in several areas have also been disrupted. The City apologizes for the inconvenience and is deploying teams for emergency work accompanied by law enforcement. Some customer offices, such as account payment centers and motor vehicle registration centers, have been closed due to the ongoing unrest. The City advises customers to use online services where possible and to call ahead to check if an office is open.
Staying Informed
During these tumultuous times, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and to verify the information they share. The City of Cape Town’s Facebook and Twitter pages are excellent sources for updates, and residents can follow CTAlerts on Twitter for news on service disruptions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the City of Cape Town remains committed to protecting its residents and ensuring their safety. With the dedication of their hardworking officials and law enforcement agencies, the city will persevere through this challenging time.
