By More Matshediso
Pretoria – The recently launched R28-million Zonkisizwe fire station, in Ekurhuleni, will assure safety of residents in cases of accidental fires.
The state of the art facility, which has created over 70 jobs, is set to respond to emergencies that may occur within the southern border of Ekurhuleni, which has been growing rapidly over the years.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson Themba Gadebe said more jobs will be created. “This obviously means more job creation and also serves to attract interest from the townships to pursue careers in the emergency fields,” Gadebe said.
The border of Ekurhuleni covers areas such as Zonkisizwe, Zama - Zama, Sunrise View, Moleleki Section and Katlehong South, Sonwaba and surrounding farms.
It will also serve along the Kliprivier Road and N3 corridor to combat emergency related incidences.
The fire station is also in close proximity to assist the Suikerbosrand Game Reserve, which is vulnerable to wild fires.
The fire station was launched ahead of the envisaged major economic development, the Tambo Springs Inland Port, in Vosloorus.
The Tambo Springs Inland Port was identified and proposed as a Gauteng - Durban critical in-land port and the freight corridor for the SADC region.
The latest acquired emergency asset follows the launch of similar fire stations in Tsakane in 2013, Daveyton in 2010 and Etwatwa in 2009. The Tembisa Fire station received a major facelift in 2005.
Gadebe said the municipality will further construct new fire stations in Duduza, Kwa Thema, Germiston, Thokoza and the Albertina Sisulu Corridor in the next five years. - SAnews.gov.za
