DA visits local fire station

Following a recent visit to the Edenvale Fire Department, the DA’s MP Mike Waters and councillors Heather Hart and Bill Rundle, found that the department is understaffed and that the Ekurhuleni Metro did not deliver their annual issue of uniforms.

“During the visit, it became clear that the station is understaffed and this has put additional strain on the firefighters when people are sick or on leave,” said MP Waters.

He said there is a total of 22 firefighters who work in four shifts. Two shifts have five firefighters, while the other two shifts each have six firefighters.

“According to the approved structure of council, each shift must have a minimum of eight firefighters per shift, hence the station is short of 10 firefighters,” he said.

Mr William Ntladi, from Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said there are more positions on the new structure at the Edenvale Fire station than what was quoted.

Mr Ntladi said that DEMS would like to acknowledge the fact that the resources have improved in all fire stations across Ekurhuleni, the Edenvale Fire Station inclusive.

“As far as Edenvale Fire Station staff members are concerned, it is true as alluded in the enquiry sent about being short staffed. The shifts are depleted due to the resignation and promotion of firefighters to higher level positions.

“One cannot deny advancement and promotion of firefighters who show commitment and improvement in their career path,” said Mr Ntladi.

He also said that with regards to the uniforms, they are always issued and firefighters received their uniform as per schedule.

June 30 signaled the end of the municipal finance year.

“The budget for the new year has been issued and uniform tenders advertised for the new 2015-2016 financial year. In this advertised tender, it is not about uniforms only, but even for the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well,” he said.

MP Waters said that although the station is understaffed, it does have sufficient equipment.