Msunduzi is part of the solution
In support of the national government, the municipality has a plan in place
WHEN the first case of Coronavirus was reported, there was fear amongst many. What brought shock to the residents was that the virus had made its way locally. The first person who tested positive for this virus hailed from Mgungundlovu and the announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Doctor Zwelini Mkhize, who also happens to be a Msunduzi resident.
According to his report, this person and eight other people had returned to South Africa from Milan, Italy, on March 1, 2020.
They landed at OR Tambo International Airport others he was travelling with remained there while the rest proceeded to King Shaka International Airport. They ended up in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg.
The person that tested positive was admitted to Grey’s Hospital but later tested negative.
However, this did not stop the virus from spreading to other provinces, which led to the president of the country on the 1st of March 2020 announcing measures to flatten the infection curve.
Working together with the national government, the Msunduzi Municipality rolled up its sleeves to play its part.
Speaking to this newspaper Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said they supported the president to ensure that Coronavirus does not spread any further.
“There is no need for panic because, as the municipality, we understand the danger we are facing as a country, should this virus spread any further,” said the Mayor.
He further stated that there was a need to ensure that resources reached the community.
“What is important is to protect our employees and not to put them at risk of contracting this virus,” said Mayor Thebolla.
He called for calm among the residents so that those who work with community will not feel pressure.
During a Council meeting, it emerged that some facilities belonging to the Municipality such as halls will not operate during the 21 days national lockdown period. Applications by the members of the community to utilize them will be withdrawn and, parks and swimming pools will be closed. As part of the measures to prevent the spread of the virus, occupational health workers will visit ranks and old age homes to provide sanitizers.
Councillors will be trained so that they convey the information to their communities.
Acting Municipal Manager Mrs Nelisiwe Ngcobo said she had engaged with Treasury requesting permission to use funds to procure resources that were not budgeted for so that they would be able fight the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the Administrator Mr Sicelo Duma, reacting to the postponement of the municipality’s events said although they were vital there was another option of communicating with the community through the use of newspapers, which is a legal requirement as per the Municipal Systems Act.
Manager in the City Manager’s Office, Ms Madeleine Jackson presented measures that will be put in place to avoid the spread of the virus. “As the President ordered that no more than 100 people should gather in one place, we will postpone all the events that were due to take place and defer council meetings,” she said.