The Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) Office has urged municipalities and town boards to act swiftly in identifying and assisting vulnerable groups as the country braces for extreme cold temperatures and strong winds.
In a statement, the office said children and other vulnerable people living on the streets should be sheltered in safe facilities such as churches and community halls.
Food will be provided for those accommodated, while relatives are encouraged to bring street children home to ensure warmth and care.
“The office will ensure that food is provided for those accommodated. Relatives who know the whereabouts of street children are kindly requested to bring them home to provide warmth and care,” the statement read.
The office also thanked Prince Mphiwa and businessman Walter Bennett for raising the issue and urged citizens to check on elderly people and people with disabilities living alone.
“Emaswati are encouraged to look out for extremely vulnerable elderly persons and persons with disabilities who live alone to ensure they are safe from this extremely cold weather.
“Let us all check on relatives, neighbours and friends in the spirit of Buntfu and good neighbourliness,” the statement said.
The nation was further urged to take precautions by keeping warm, ensuring children remained indoors, dressing appropriately and extending compassion to those most at risk.
“The nation at large is urged to take precautions during this cold spell, keep warm, ensure children remain indoors where possible, dress warmly to prevent exposure, and extend compassion and assistance to those most vulnerable,” the statement concluded.
The DPM’s Office added that cooperation from all citizens would help ensure that no lives were lost during the cold spell.
