Stores were closed in Ladysmith today (April 15) after being found to be non-compliant with lockdown regulations.
This after Alfred Duma Local Municipality – in partnership with the Provincial Command, SAPS and Economic Development – embarked on a process to verify business licences.
Alfred Duma municipal spokesperson Siyabonga Maphalala said they found that many businesses were not complying with the regulations of the Covid-19 lockdown, citing issues such as long and uncontrolled queues, too many people in the shops at one time, and no social distancing.
Maphalala added that they will be communicating with the Business Chamber to make sure that the businesses affected today are assessed and assisted in complying with the regulations.
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Maphalala commented that, “For today (April 15), Pick ‘n Pay is open, as they were found to be compliant. Spar in Francis Road was closed and found to be not compliant. Checkers Hyper at the Square is closed, as they were also not compliant. 80% of businesses were closed in Illing Road, as they were non-compliant.”
The municipality urges the community to adhere to the regulations put in place by retailers, as many business owners and managers are complaining that community members do not want to keep social distancing in the queues and want to rush into the stores.
- The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800029999 with any suspected cases of corona, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.
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