Today, 9 March 2018, Alderman JP Smith visited the Grand Parade and is pleased with the City’s state of readiness to host the 41st edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, giving all involved the thumbs up.
‘It’s all systems go on the Grand Parade for this year’s iconic event. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Department has done extensive emergency planning with the event organisers, service providers and emergency services on various scenarios that could play out on the day. I am confident that all stakeholders are well prepared to tackle any emergency situation that arises during the event. I am sure that participants will find the new starting point a lot more spacious and comfortable as well as a safer option,’ said Alderman Smith.
From a safety and security perspective, the City’s enforcement agencies will be out in numbers. More than 500 enforcement staff will be on duty for the day including our volunteers.
In addition, two station commanders will be assigned to the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) for the duration of the event and will liaise directly with the City’s Fire Command Centre.
In terms of reactionary response, over 200 firefighters will be on duty at 30 of the City’s fire stations located across the metro to respond to any emergency. Firefighters at the fire stations located close to the cycle tour route will be on hand as first response should the need arise.
The City’s enforcement teams will augment and support the South African Police Service who are serving as the lead agency for the event.
‘I would also like to acknowledge and thank the event organisers for playing their part in saving the City’s potable water during this unprecedented drought. Residents can rest assured the water management plan for the cycle tour will not deplete our scarce resources,’ added Alderman Smith.
Water has been brought in from outside the province for drinking and refreshment purposes along the route. A total of 2,2 million litres of water, purchased outside of the Cape Town drought-affected area, has been introduced into the municipal grid under the guidance of the City of Cape Town in order to offset out-of-town participants’ water usage during their stay in Cape Town.
Locally produced desalinated water will be used for all cleansing purposes. The number of water stations along the route will be reduced to 14 essential stations, which are necessary from a medical point of view. In addition, suppliers to the cycle tour will sign service level agreements that specify their usage and where their water will be sourced. Suppliers will not be allowed to use water from the city’s grid.
Motorists are advised to take note of the temporary road closures that will be in place over the weekend and to plan their trips accordingly.
‘I would like to welcome all participants and spectators from out of town to Cape Town for this iconic event. I wish all cyclists the best of luck and hope you achieve the goals you set for the race. Please do not be deterred by the water crisis; we do hope you will enjoy some of the City’s tourist attractions while you are here. Our only request is that you save like a local,’ added Alderman Smith.
The complete list of road closures is available here: https://www.intocycling.co.za/road-closures-during-the-cape-town-cycle-tour/
