The City of Cape Town’s Transport Directorate has installed a fence at the Elsies River Public Transport Interchange (PTI). The fence is 1,8m high and encloses the whole facility in an effort to promote the safety and security of commuters while we are in the midst of the fight against COVID-19.
The Elsies River PTI falls within an identified COVID-19 hotspot area. The fencing of the Elsies River PTI serves as a pilot to determine whether the City should go ahead and undertake similar actions at other PTIs across Cape Town.
The purpose of the fence is to make it easier for the City to enforce the required health and safety protocols applicable during this time, as determined by the National Government.
‘I have visited the site earlier this afternoon, and I must say I am impressed with the rapid pace and urgency from our officials to get this fence installed,’ said Alderman Felicity Purchase, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport.
The idea is to have officials at the various points of entry to the PTI, taking temperature readings and ensuring that everyone entering the facility is wearing a mask.
‘The fight against this virus calls for a concerted effort. Thus, as a caring and safe City we are doing all we can to ensure that our public facilities are compliant with the regulations as far as possible. That said, the onus is on each one of us to also adhere to the crucial interventions – wearing a mask or cloth to cover our nose and mouth, washing hands often or using hand sanitiser, maintaining a social distance, avoid touching common surfaces, and staying at home when sick. That way, we can prevent the virus from entering our facilities and keep our fellow commuters safe. As one City, together, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 and overcome this challenge,’ said Alderman Purchase.
The objective is to fence the other public transport facilities as well, however, as an initial phase the focus is on PTIs that fall within identified hotspot areas. The fencing is also subject to numerous factors, including but not limited to, budget availability, a risk assessment, training and deployment of security staff, acquisition of speed fencing, equipment, and engagement with affected stakeholders, to name but a few.
The City is following processes to secure funding for such initiatives, especially during the COVID-19 period. Together, we can defeat the Coronavirus.