Joburg, Tshwane on high alert for Easter weekend emergencies
The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Services(EMS) has announced its readiness to respond to various emergency incidents that may occur during this Easter Weekend.
Traffic is expected to peak on major routes as travellers make their way to various destinations for the Easter holidays.
The EMS spokesperson in the city, Robert Mulaudzi, said Fire Safety Officers will participate in special joint operations with other stakeholders, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, to check for applicable approvals or licensing, and to possibly issue contravention notices when required.
“The COJEMS is an integral part of integrated response services during the Easter Weekend, with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, City of Johannesburg Disaster Management and other City of Johannesburg Departments,” Mulaudzi said.
Mulaudzi warned faith-based organisations to ensure the safety of their congregation when conducting baptisms and cleansings, as parts of the city have experienced the impact of recent storms, with flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying areas
He said most of the drowning incident reports received by the EMS were due to Baptism/Cleansing rituals conducted in river streams.
“We therefore would like to plead with all faith-based organisations, Pastors, Bishops, Prophets, who might be tempted to conduct rituals, to ensure the safety of all congregants. “
“Our Public Education Officials, together with Disaster Management teams, are working together, conducting water safety awareness campaigns in all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg, targeting most of our vulnerable communities in low-lying areas.”
Meanwhile, the City of Tswane’s Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, on Thursday announced that the emergency services, hospitals, and law enforcement in the city were ready for the holiday.
“As your Executive Mayor, I must also acknowledge a sobering reality, that this season brings with it one of the highest annual spikes in road traffic accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities,” Moya said.
She reminded motorists that the metro police in the city will be vigilant, with expected roadblocks on every major road.
“This is not to harass motorists and commuters, but it is to prevent disaster before it happens. It is to remind each motorist that there are consequences for negligence, and that human lives are more important than convenience.”
She urged road users to drive with caution and implored law enforcement to take a zero-tolerance approach this season.
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