POLOKWANE – Homeless people in the city have been relocated to the showgrounds, according to Matshidiso Mothapo, Polokwane Municipal Spokesperson.
In a joint operation the municipality, the Department of Social Development and the International Red Cross has taken the responsibility to look after the interests of these people, who slept on the streets and were asking for work at various places such as on Webster Street. The operation was done to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“We have decided on the showgrounds as it is big and open and there are enough ablution facilities to cater for the people,” Mothapo told Review.
The Department of Social Development will provide food for the homeless, and the Red Cross will prepare meals at the Jack Botes hall. The homeless residents were screened for the virus and the facility was inspected and sanitised.
In accordance to regulations issued in the Government Gazette on 25 March, a person may be evacuated, subject to a lockdown, from any place by an enforcement officer to a temporary shelter. Temporary shelters for the homeless must meet the necessary hygiene standards, as must temporary sites for quarantine and self- isolation for people who cannot self- isolate or quarantine at their homes.
According to regulations, the state shall provide essential resources for the duration of the lockdown subject to conditions determined by cabinet.
