Hart gives lockdown report on Edenvale after week 1

With the nationwide lockdown in place in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the majority of the residents in Ward 18 are heeding the call to stay indoors.

According to Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart, there were a few minor contraventions at the start of the lockdown, but they were managed.

“Thanks to social media, one-on-one communication and the assistance of Edenvale Community Policing Forum, those contraventions were quickly resolved.”

Hart explained that since the implementation of the lockdown on March 27, she was only made aware of one social gathering in a public area.

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“On March 28, there were a fairly large number of people active in Van Riebeeck Avenue.”

Speaking on the situation in her ward, Hart believes residents are trying to be as informed as possible

“Thankfully, most of the Ward 18 residents have smartphones or access to all the relevant information.”

She highlighted that when there is confusion, she tries to provide the correct information.

During the lockdown, Hart, who has been in communication with residents, said many are trying to pass the time by keeping themselves busy or entertained.

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Some ways to pass the time identified by Hart include:

• Maintenance or do-it-yourself projects.

• Participating in quizzes doing the rounds on WhatsApp chat groups.

• Families downloading games to play together.

“The consensus is ‘thank heavens for the internet and social media’, which offsets the negative effects of self-isolation and any feelings of being left out.”

Hart highlighted that even though the lockdown has separated us, a sense of community has been created on the various suburban or street chat groups and other social media platforms.

Hart said although it is too early to say what impact the virus will have on Edenvale, she strongly believes the towns’ commercial sectors will be negatively affected.

“Besides the commercial sectors, it will have a serious impact on those who are self-employed or who work for companies that cannot pay them during the lockdown.”

One of Hart’s bigger concerns is how those who are not earning will pay their municipal bills.

Despite the municipality stating it will be lenient, Hart hopes for additional measures to be put in place.

“Many community members are also concerned about those living alone.”

Hart encouraged residents to frequently contact people they know are living alone, especially if they are elderly.

Speaking further on Edenvale’s vulnerable, Hart said concerns regarding the homeless in town have been raised.

On April 30, Hart said Edenvale’s homeless were meant to be profiled; however, she was still waiting for a plan of action from the municipality.

“Most residents realise the importance of staying at home and are doing their best to make the best of it.

“There are, however, concerns that lack of respect for the lockdown in other areas could mean that government has to extend the lockdown period.”

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