Pretoria - Firefighters in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality will now be able to respond to emergencies with more confidence as they will be clad in full protective clothing.
The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in North West has allocated R1.675 million to the municipality to procure firefighting uniforms, protective clothing and ICT equipment such as computers and printers in an effort to build capacity and reduce fire risks in communities.
This follows an assessment by the department which revealed the municipality was not complying with the legislative guidelines with regards to uniforms and protective clothing as well as basic ICT equipment.
Handing over the uniforms and ICT equipment at the Mahikeng fire station on Friday, MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements Fenny Gaolaolwe said money has also been set aside to upgrade disaster management and fire services so that municipalities can deliver efficient services.
The department has also identified the need for a disaster management satellite office in Tshidilamolomo in Ratlou local municipality, due to the number of fire incidents that are reported from nearby villages.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that all the disaster management centres do comply with safety regulations by providing them with the necessary equipment.
“However, I want to appeal to our personnel at the centres, especially at fire stations to take their work seriously and respond to calls for emergency assistance, on time,” said MEC Gaolaolwe. - SAnews.gov.za
