I am delighted to announce that the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has today taken delivery of 3 new fire engines.
The City will take ownership of an additional two fire engines before the end of this financial year.
Residents of Johannesburg have over the years raised concerns about the City’s ability to secure their safety in the event of an increased number of fire outbreaks.
It is my pleasure to assure residents the procurement and possession of the first batch of fire engines will ensure that the City is able to alleviate much of the pressure that has been placed on our Emergency Management Services.
But it will especially ensure that the City is able to respond timeously to emergencies and, most importantly, save lives. The arrival of the first set of fire engines is part of a bigger plan to replace the aging fleet across various fire stations.
I am grateful to the MMC for Safety, Cllr Michael Sun and the MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Ntombi Khumalo, for their leadership in purchasing and processing the delivery of these fire engines.
Over the past five years the City of Johannesburg has experienced an alarming growth in population, putting a strain on already over-stretched resources. On average the City’s emergency command centre receives over 25 000 emergency calls a month.
The Department has done a thorough assessment of the current fleet, hence we are already undergoing the process of procuring more fire engines. The current fleet delivered will be placed at Fairview Fire Station to cover areas around Malvern, the CBD and Berea.
There other two will be placed at Jabulane Fire station to cover areas in Soweto and the third fire engine will be deployed to the newly built Cosmo City fire station and will cover Diepsloot and Lonehill. The Department is providing much needed services to over 4.9 million citizens within the city.
The City took a decision to commit funds to build Protea Glen and Cosmo City Fire Stations after a feasibility study showed that all emergency incidents around these areas are covered by fire stations further. The construction of any EMS facility is premised on a strategic goal to increase the accessibility of the services to the community.
These facilities are an embodiment of the City’s commitment to build safe communities and therefore a safer city.
Joburg is a growing metropolitan city, with an annual budget of R39 billion Rand. It is an investment destination of choice for numerous businesses both locally and internationally. There are proper internal processes accessible to all aggrieved employees at all times. In our quest to becoming a leading world class African emergency management services, we will continue to engage employees to ensure a healthy work force.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
