Inoperative fire engines of CoE cause great concern among residents

The devastating fire that recently engulfed the iconic Pure and Cool Roadhouse in Malvern East has sparked outrage among residents, who raised concerns about the apparent absence of working fire engines in Ekurhuleni.

According to reports, residents were dismayed when the fire department failed to respond to the blaze because of a lack of operational fire engines.

Allegations surfaced that the Primrose, Edenvale, and Bedfordview Fire Stations could not dispatch fire engines to the scene, leaving the community vulnerable in the event of an emergency.

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Concerned resident Maria Nkosi expressed disbelief at the municipality’s inability to provide adequate fire protection to its residents.

With winter approaching, questions arise about the municipality’s preparedness to handle potential fire emergencies.

The issue of non-operational fire engines is not a new one.

In a motion accepted during a January council meeting, Clr Jaco Terblanche highlighted the urgent need to prioritise fire truck repairs to ensure at least one working fire engine per station.

Despite these efforts, the situation persists, as evidenced by reports that 80% of Ekurhuleni’s fire engines remain non-operational.

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Michael Waters, the DA chief whip in Ekurhuleni, condemned the dire state of the municipality’s fire service, emphasising the need for urgent intervention to address the crisis.

Of the 184 fire engines the city owns, only 37 are reported to be operational, leaving the emergency service severely incapacitated.

Waters underscored the importance of adhering to national standards for fire service provision, highlighting the city’s failure to meet the minimum requirements outlined in the South African National Standards for Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090).

In 2018, under the leadership of Mayor Mzwandile Masina, the municipality unveiled a refurbished state-of-the-art Germiston Fire Station along with new emergency vehicles and equipment.

However, despite these investments, the persistent lack of working fire engines raises concerns about the municipality’s ability to respond to fire emergencies effectively.

To ensure the safety and well-being of Ekurhuleni residents, and as residents demand accountability and action from municipal authorities, the need for urgent measures to address the shortage of working fire engines is paramount.