Fire station delay irks residents

CONSTRUCTION delays on the long-awaited eSikhaleni fire station could have serious consequences this winter.

Without a much needed firefighting facility, residents fear the winter season might prove deadly, especially for those living in the countryside bordering the township.

With thousands still relying on paraffin stoves and open fires to keep themselves warm, fire incidents are always on the rise in winter.

Over the years the absence of quick firefighting response has resulted in gruesome scenes, with many lives, especially children, snuffed out during accidental fires.

eSikhaleni residents say Empangeni and Richards Bay fire services regularly struggle to arrive on time to extinguish burning buildings in the area.

‘We need a station close to us to avoid these incidents. Empangeni is too far and Richards Bay is even further. Most of the time they arrive too late after people have already died in gutted buildings,’ said resident Lucky Sikhakhane.

According to the City of uMhlathuze, this will be the last winter eSikhaleni will be without a fire station, which was promised to residents more than three years ago.

‘The contractor is on site as we speak and they will complete the works by the end of September.

MET Builders were appointed and on Monday we met with affected and surroundings councillors within eSikhaleni.

‘The meeting served as an update and to discuss the way forward on issues to do with the project’s logistics,’ said the city Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane.

ALSO READ: Fire station debacle burns R10- million

Construction delays

The eSikhaleni fire station contract was initially awarded to preferred bidder Nonjenje/Umbambano JV on 26 March, 2014.

However, the project suffered continual delays and, according to previous Expo reports, one of the joint venture parties left the site, ultimately resulting in a breach of contract.

The site was visited continually, revised programmes failed and when the builders ran out of materials, work stopped completely and the contract was terminated in December, 2014.

In 2015 the contract was then awarded to Ziqoqe Construction, who had been placed second on the original tender list.

After resuming work at the site, the construction company also began having financial problems.
Even though the new company has been appointed, residents still fear more delays, especially with the scope of remedial work still to be done.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer