Repairs underway for Joburg’s fire engines
Clr Micahel Sun said it was explained to him that some of the vehicles are awaiting spare parts and some are so old that spare parts have become obsolete or not economical to repair.
FOURTEEN Johannesburg fire engines that went for repairs are back at various fire stations where they are needed most.
This was confirmed by the new MMC for Public Safety, Clr Michael Sun. When Clr Sun addressed the Civilian Crime Intelligence Network (CCIN) convention at Gold Reef City Crown Reef Conference Room on Saturday, September 17 he said his team went to the service provider that repairs the emergency vehicles and told them that they need them as soon as possible.
COURIER managed to get more information from Clr Sun on this matter.
“When I took office little over three weeks ago, the first priority on my list was to ensure the fire engines (the red fleet) are repaired and returned to their respective fire stations without further delays. I personally inspected the repair workshop belonging to the service provider and discovered that over a dozen of our fire engines are parked at the workshop un-repaired,” explained Clr Sun.
He said it was explained to him that some of the vehicles are awaiting spare parts and some are so old that spare parts have become obsolete or not economical to repair. He ensured that the service provider and their officials understood the importance that the red fleet be fixed and back on duty immediately.
“We have since got over 14 vehicles back to various fire stations including Orange Farm, Lonehill, Fairview, Dobsonville, Central, Kibler Park, Roosevelt Park, Hodgeson Street, Hunters Hill, Fairview, Jabulani, Dobsonville, Lawley and Roosevelt Park fire stations (there is more than one fire engine for different functions at most of the stations). I have requested that the responsible official in my department gives me an update report every Tuesday and Thursday until the situation is resolved,” clarified Clr Sun.
He mentioned that they must strive for service excellence especially in the emergency rescue service. Joburg’s firefighters and paramedics are always at the coal face of life-and-death situations and put residents’ lives before their own. Yet some residents would attack the firefighters and paramedics and vandalise the red fleet. This is absolutely unacceptable.
“I call upon our residents to assist our firefighters and paramedics when they are doing their jobs. We as the community must let our EMS men and women do their job safely and with dignity,” he said.
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