Ekurhuleni executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina said there is money that has been budgeted for firefighting, rescue operations, ambulances and primary response units activities aimed at improving the city’s disaster management capabilities.
Work began at the end of last year to renovate the Farrarmere Fire Station, a project valued at R28-m.
According to Masina, the metro plans to construct six new fire stations in the next five years, especially in areas that do not have such facilities.
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 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.”
According to the metro, the construction of this facility is already underway and will be complete before the end of the year.
The metro has already built new fire stations in Tembisa, Tsakane, Daveyton, Zonkizizwe, Etwatwa and KwaThema.
The Thokoza fire station is currently under construction.
“We aim to curb the destruction of properties by fires and floods especially in the informal settlements,” said Masina.
“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.”
