In response to the destruction of informal houses as a result of a fire, the City of Ekurhuleni invested in emergency services infrastructure to ensure the safety of residents.
The informal dwellings, located near Great North Road in Ward 23, burnt down in September.
Executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina said, at the final sitting of City of Ekurhuleni’s council, that the dwellings were rebuilt and reallocated to community members in November.
“The City is not spared the challenge of shack fires that confronts our country during summer and winter seasons when electricity demands are high, or the weather is extreme,” said Masina.
“As such, we invested in emergency services infrastructure that our communities require.”
He said fire engines bought in the 2018/2019 financial year will be delivered to the city in January 2020.
The delivery will coincide with the re-opening of the old Germiston Fire Station which was turned into a museum.
“Additionally, the Olifantsfontein Fire Station will be operationalised before the end of this financial year.”
Masina said in an effort to fight crime and strengthen law enforcement in the city, the City committed itself to build the capacity of its law-enforcement agencies.
“There are currently 500 recruits in training for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, another 100 will be recruited in early 2020.”
Additionally, the City procured seven Nyalas and one water cannon to aid in crime fighting.
