Joburg EMS is capable of rendering effective emergency services

The City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) is not aware of the plan to acquire a fleet of 29 new emergency and fire rescue vehicles as indicated by the Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg.

The EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they were capable of rendering effective and professional emergency services to all residents of the City on a daily basis without any disruptions as mandated by the City’s leadership.

“As for the shortage, we are not aware of those statistics given by the DA,” he said.

He further explained that the EMS did not want to be part of the DA-attention seeking, political grandstanding stunt.

“If we are buying vehicles we will be the first people to pronounce the procurement, not the DA, they should concentrate on campaigning for local government elections and leave us as the management of EMS to manage the daily operations of the organisation,” he concluded.

According to the statement by the DA PR councillor Michael Sun, the City plans to acquire 29 new emergency and fire rescue vehicles, at a cost of

R187 446 049.

“Amid denials by the City, the DA has been undeterred in exposing the problems within the city’s EMS, one of which is the shortage of fire engines,” said Sun.

He further explained that he has reiterated in each quarter that residents are not receiving the life-and-death rescue service with the degree of efficiency they deserve.

“It was reported that there are 142 government ambulances in the City but 263 breakdowns were reported, placing the availability of ambulances at a low 45.3 per cent.”

“This means that there is a 50 per cent chance that an ambulance or fire engine may or may not reach residents in time, if at all,” explained Sun.

Details: Democratic Alliance City of Johannesburg Councillor Michael Sun, 082 822 9340; City of Joburg EMS, 011 758 9546.

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