As the community and industries in Elandsfontein, Klopper Park, Tunney, Isando and Meadowdale continue to grow, so has the need for a new fire station.
This will soon become a reality as work has begun on the Klopper Park Fire Station, following a rain-soaked soil-turning ceremony, last Friday.
“The new station will accommodate fire engines and ambulances,” explained William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).
“This station will greatly assist in cutting the response time to the area, which is seen as high risk.
“At present, emergencies in the area are attended to by personnel from either the Primrose, Kempton Park or Edenvale fire stations.”
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It is estimated that construction will take 21 months and will be completed in phases.
Ward 92 Clr Tiziana Plaskitt was on hand to welcome guests to the soil-turning.
“It is said that rain is a blessing,” Plaskitt said.
“Let us hope that it washes away the negativity and brings in the positivity.
“We have had a lot of hiccups with this project. I hope the rain will wash away all the problems so we can get the first phase of the station up and running and servicing the community.”
MMC for Community Safety Clr Vivian Chauke then took to the podium to explain more about the project, on behalf of the mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina.
“Since 2016, two fire stations have been opened, namely the Tokoza Fire Station and Germiston Fire Station,” Chauke said.
“To provide further and adequate services to our residents, we will turn the soil on a new fire station here in Klopper Park.
“The industrial area the new station will service is a highly developed area and is deemed a major risk area due to various chemical factories, warehouses and similar enterprises.
“For other fire stations to respond to emergencies in the area takes a long time due to the geographical division.”
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She also commented that the Elandsfontein, Klopper Park, Tunney, Isando and Meadowdale areas have developed at a rapid pace and continue to grow.
“In addition, the station’s location will also allow personnel to respond to motor vehicle collisions on both the R21 and N12 highways,” Chauke said.
“The community of Klopper Park will also benefit from the rapid response to emergencies.”
The project will cost an estimated R32-million.
“The completion of the project will leave Ekurhuleni far better off and it is with pride that I, on behalf of mayor Masina, turn the first soil on the construction of the fire station,” Chauke said.
Together with Izak Berg (chairperson for the oversight committee for community safety), Chauke made her way out into the rain to officially open construction on the project.
“We really are looking forward in having this additional resource at our disposal,” said Ntladi.
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