Mbabane – The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has called on municipalities and town boards to urgently identify street children and other vulnerable people and move them into safe accommodation as Eswatini braces for extreme cold temperatures and strong winds.
According to the Office, the precautionary measures follow weather forecasts from the Eswatini Meteorology Service predicting harsh conditions from tomorrow.
Municipalities and town boards have been instructed to identify vulnerable people living on the streets and arrange temporary shelter at facilities such as churches and community halls to protect them from the cold.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said food would be provided to people accommodated in these facilities during the cold spell.
Relatives who know the whereabouts of street children have also been asked to bring them home, where they can receive warmth and care from their families.
The intervention comes amid concerns over the impact of the expected cold conditions on people who have limited access to shelter and other basic necessities.
The Office also appealed to the public to check on elderly people and persons with disabilities who live alone, particularly those who may struggle to keep themselves warm or seek assistance.
Emaswati have been encouraged to check on relatives, neighbours and friends as part of the spirit of Buntfu and good neighbourliness.
The public has further been advised to take precautions during the cold spell by keeping children indoors where possible, wearing warm clothing and extending assistance to people who may be exposed to the harsh conditions.
The Office expressed appreciation to Prince Mphiwa and businessman Walter Bennet for bringing the issue of vulnerable people facing the cold to its attention.
The Office said the cooperation of the public and local authorities would be important in preventing loss of life during the period of extreme cold.
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