MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay municipal manager, Adv Thys Giliomee said in a letter addressed to the residents of greater Mossel Bay yesterday, on day 40 of the national lockdown that it is not easy to keep abreast of the lockdown regulations.
Giliomee says the definitions contained in the regulations are not always very clear and says the regulations and/or directives are often changed.
“However, it is important to realise that Mossel Bay Municipality strives to continually keep you informed of what is being announced at the national government level about the national Covid-19 lockdown.”
Giliomee says residents should know that access to all beaches remains prohibited. No one may walk, sunbathe, nor exercise on any of the beaches. Residents may also not swim or surf nor practice any other sports in the sea.
“The only exception made is for subsistence fishermen. Subsistence fishermen are those persons who have for some time already had no income other than what they earn from the sale of the fish they caught.”
He says the municipal vehicle license renewal offices are closed to the public. “The eNatis system is still inaccessible and no transactions can be processed. There is no specific date available for when this service will resume. Your vehicle license will remain valid for up to 30 days after the national lockdown is terminated.”
The same applies to driving licenses. Neither learner not driver licence tests can take place. The community is requested to be patient, as “the municipality cannot make any arrangements until we know for certain when the driver license testing may take place again. Once the date is known, we will first reallocate all previous appointments before scheduling new appointments.”
Giliomee gave residents some good news too:
Laundromats may operate. Coffee shops may reopen - but only to sell takeaway coffee - coffee cannot be enjoyed inside the coffee shop. Also, other products such as sandwiches may not be sold with the takeaway coffee. Coffee may, like hot foods, be delivered only to homes and not to vehicles parked in the store’s parking lot. All businesses must have the relevant permits to operate.
Meanwhile it has since been confirmed that nurseries that have the necessary permits may operate and sell all products associated with nurseries. Residents can as a result now enjoy their gardening.
However, garden services, on the other hand, may still not operate.
Giliomee says they will do their best to revive the Mossel Bay economy as soon as possible.
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