…. Municipalities, town boards ordered to secure safe accommodation as extreme temperatures and strong winds approach
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Government has moved swiftly to protect street children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable emaSwati as the country braces for extreme cold temperatures and strong winds forecast from Tuesday.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has directed municipalities and town boards across the Kingdom to immediately identify children and other vulnerable people living on the streets and relocate them to safe temporary accommodation before the harsh weather sets in.
Churches, community halls and other suitable facilities have been identified as possible shelters where vulnerable people can be protected from exposure to the severe cold.
In a statement, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office said the intervention follows predictions by the Eswatini Meteorology Service of extremely cold temperatures accompanied by strong winds.
Government said food would also be provided to people accommodated at the temporary shelters during the cold spell, ensuring that the intervention goes beyond simply providing a roof over their heads.
“The Office will ensure that food is provided for those accommodated,” reads the statement.
The emergency response places particular emphasis on children living on the streets, who face increased health and safety risks when temperatures plunge.
Relatives who know the whereabouts of street children have consequently been urged to bring them home where they can receive warmth, food, protection and family care.
The Office has also called upon communities to extend the same vigilance to elderly people and persons with disabilities, particularly those living alone.
Government encouraged emaSwati to check on relatives, neighbours and friends who may struggle to cope with the extreme weather conditions.
The appeal is rooted in the spirit of Buntfu, with citizens being encouraged to demonstrate compassion and good neighbourliness by making sure vulnerable members of society are not left exposed to the cold.
“Let us all check on relatives, neighbours, and friends in the spirit of Buntfu and good neighbourliness,” the Office urged.
The intervention comes as authorities seek to minimise the danger posed by prolonged exposure to low temperatures, particularly among people who have inadequate housing, insufficient warm clothing or underlying vulnerabilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office further acknowledged Senator Prince Mphatfwa and businessman Walter Bennett for raising concerns over the welfare of vulnerable people during the expected cold conditions.
The Office said their intervention had helped bring greater attention to the need for urgent protection measures.
Members of the public have also been advised to take precautions throughout the cold spell.
Parents and guardians have been encouraged to keep children indoors where possible, while all emaSwati have been advised to dress warmly and minimise unnecessary exposure to the cold.
Communities have further been urged to identify people who may need additional assistance and extend support before conditions deteriorate.
Government stressed that cooperation between families, communities, municipalities, town boards and social support structures would be crucial in ensuring that no lives are lost as a result of the severe weather.
“Your prompt cooperation will help ensure that no lives are lost due to the extreme cold temperatures,” the statement reads.
The latest intervention highlights Government’s focus on protecting people most at risk while mobilising communities to take collective responsibility during potentially dangerous weather conditions.
For municipalities and town boards, the immediate task will be to locate vulnerable people, identify suitable facilities and facilitate their movement to safe accommodation.
For ordinary emaSwati, Government’s message is equally clear: keep warm, protect children, check on elderly neighbours and extend assistance wherever it is needed.
The approach places community solidarity at the centre of the national response, ensuring that as temperatures fall, vulnerable emaSwati are not left to face the cold alone.
