By: Lungisa Somtombo
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Weziwe Tikana- Gxothiwe together with the Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane will launch the 2019 festive season Arrive Alive Campaign on The R61 road at Engcobo today.
Department of Transport Spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the launch takes place on the R61 as it has been identified as the most dangerous road in the province.
Binqose added that issues of road safety are everyday issues that can never be put on hold, however, due to the festive season they have to double their actions.
“We call on our law enforcement officers to assist us and road users to play their role and obey the rules of the road at all times,” said Binqose.
Further, Binqose said one of the major challenges that have led to many road accidents in the province is stray livestock.
“We plead with people who have livestock to make sure that it is kept safe during this festive season.”
Speaking about their partners, Binqose said they will need the help of the South African Police Services, Emergency Medical Services and the Department of Health who have been working with them all year round.
The Department of Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba said the department will make sure that people receive first-hand help fast, the EMS will have ambulances on standby at the Esplanade, Quigney Beach and in other areas ready to attend to anything that needs medical attention.
“We will also have rescue services, ambulances and three helicopters stationed at hotspots across the province, like on the R61 and N2 roads,” the MEC said.
The MEC mentioned this at the Department of Health launch of the first-ever 2019 festive season readiness programme at Hotel Osner in East London on Tuesday.
The purpose of the programme is to make sure that people are safe and healthy during the festive season.
Giving the keynote address, MEC said for this programme to work they need to work together with the South African Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Department, Disaster Management and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
“People’s safety is important, especially in places like Esplanade, which is a dangerous area, it becomes a great area to enjoy ourselves but it also becomes an area that rips our hearts apart,” she said.
Department of health Superintendent General Dr. Thobile Mbengashe said the purpose of the programme is to prepare to provide a witness that if the Department joins hands they could achieve more.
“This is not a time for people to die, it’s time for people to celebrate,” he added.
To make sure that people are safe around the sea, Mbengashe said they are working together with the NSRI to save lives. He added that people need to make sure that they drink alcohol at a minimum level.
Picture: Eastern Cape Department of Transport.