Stellenbosch municipality sets up temporary facilities for homeless

27th March 2020 By: African News Agency

 Stellenbosch municipality sets up temporary facilities for homeless

Stellenbosch municipality has set up a temporary facility for the homeless for the duration of South Africa's national lockdown, it said on Friday. 

"All homeless residents in the Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Klapmuts areas will be taken to this temporary shelter camp where they will be screened for health or mental health issues. If necessary, people will be taken to Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital for observation and the necessary medical attention," the municipality said via a statement. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 21-day lockdown on Monday in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. It went into effect at midnight on Thursday. 

The municipality said it was working with other partners to provide care for the homeless in its region. 

"The municipality will provide security officers to protect the inhabitants around the clock. Our community development department is making arrangements for daily meals and blankets and we are liaising with the provincial department of social services and NGOs to ascertain any additional assistance they can provide.

"Our law enforcement officers are working closely with SAPS and other government institutions to ensure lockdown procedures are adhered to. Please report any non-compliance to your local SAPS. We can beat COVID-19 by working together," said the municipality.