By Nangamso Mabindla
28 February 2006

THOUSANDS of Buffalo City residents are gearing up to cast their votes in the local government elections on Wednesday, 1 March.

Voting stations, spread across the 2 800 square kilometre municipal area, are placed according to the needs of the residents in the city's 45 wards.

Places like the East London City Hall are already a hive of activity as representatives of the Independent Electoral Commission prepare for the rush of voters.

There are more than 200 voting stations in East London, including at the city hall, the Cambridge Town Hall, the Amalinda Grounds, Hudson Park High School or St Anne's Primary School.

For voters in King William's Town and surrounding areas there are voting stations in Dimbaza, Ginsberg, the Mngqesha Community Hall and Bhisho.

To ensure the safety of the voters and the smooth running of the elections, the South African Police Service will have personnel at each station.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 7pm and the day has been declared a public holiday by the national government.