Private sector continues to pick up the slack
SCP Security has launched its fire, search and rescue fire engine to add another layer of help to residents and the community in an emergency.
SCP Security has joined others who are privately stepping up to help with fire emergencies in the city.
Owner Clive Maher said, “Our fire, search and rescue vehicle is something that I think has been long overdue in our footprint when one looks at the failures of the city when it comes to essential services.”
He says that relying solely on the city is not something ‘anyone can do with confidence in a crisis’.
The fully refurbished fire engine will be run by fire chief Henry Zeiler, who lives in East Town, and his crew of professional and experienced firefighters.
“They have every possible tool, nozzle and attachment needed to fight not only traditional fires but electrical ones too.”
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs said, “The recent acquisition of a private fire, search and rescue vehicle by SCP Security, is cause to celebrate and say well done. This has yet again highlighted the efficiencies of the private sector to render services well, while governmental departments grapple with the basic necessities of providing services to tax-paying residents, because of red tape [which can be changed through policy], corruption, mismanagement and a bloated civil service.”
Robert Mulaudzi, EMS spokesperson, said in response to questions about why the private sector feels it necessary to ‘fill the gap’ when it comes to fire services, “The city at this stage can render effective and professional emergency services to all the residents. If there are any challenges the city has an MOU with our neighbouring municipalities, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, to assist as and when required.”
Wahl Bartmann, CEO at Fidelity ADT, said they decided to expand into the firefighting arena ‘due to most fire stations being crippled by a lack of resources to offer effective responses when residents need this most. Anyone who has experienced a fire at home or at their business knows that every second counts’.
“The frightening reality is that even a small kitchen fire can devastate a home far more quickly than your local fire brigade is able to arrive on the scene.”
Maher said the SCP Security fire engine will be parked in the Northcliff area – so centrally located to get to any areas quickly to ‘respond and add another layer of protection to our clients and the community’.
The engine can carry eight firefighters and has two 10 000-litre tanks. One is for veld or house fires and the foam one is for attending to electrical blazes at substations or similar. “CO2 extinguishers, oxygen tanks and a new state-of-the-art Jaws of Life machine is on board too.”
Related Article: SABC Radio Park building fire successfully contained
