The Ekurhuleni metro will spend R94-million to improve its capacity to deal with emergency situations in the region.
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The executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, explained that the money has been budgeted and will go into firefighting, rescue operations, ambulances and primary response unit activities aimed at improving the city’s disaster management capabilities.
He said the city plans to construct six new fire stations in the next five years, especially in areas that do not have such facilities to date.
“Some money will also go into revamping and upgrading some of the old fire stations in the region. Long term plans for this programme have already been put in place.”
Among the new fire stations to be built is the Albertina Sisulu Fire Station in Kempton Park, which is expected to improve the turnaround time to emergencies on the busy Albertina Sisulu Freeway linking Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. The construction of this facility is already underway and will be completed before the end of the year,” Masina said.
As the metro continues to improve its capabilities to deal with different life threatening emergencies and disasters, Masina pointed out that in 2013 Ekurhuleni added among others Hydraulic Platforms (HP), Major Pumpers, Rescue Pumpers, Water Tankers, Foam Tenders, a Grass Unit, Primary Response Vehicles (PRV) and ambulances to its fleet. The city built new fire stations in Tembisa, Tsakane, Daveyton, Zonkizizwe, Etwatwa and Kwathema.
“The Thokoza fire station is currently under construction, while the Farrarmere Fire Station in Benoni is being revamped.
“We aim to curb the destruction of properties, especially in the informal settlements. We must also constantly improve our ability to respond timeously and effectively to such problems and limit the loss of lives and property, especially among the most vulnerable of our people,” said the mayor.
