Addressing the burning need of iLembe and Ndwedwe firefighting resources
There was previously no firefighting capacity in Maphumulo or Ndwedwe and the vehicle will serve a vital role in potentially life-saving circumstances.
Firefighting and emergency response teams in iLembe and Ndwedwe have received a boost in the form of a new fire and rescue vehicle.
The vehicle was supplied by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department and was officially unveiled by KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka on Tuesday, February 23.
There was previously no firefighting capacity in Maphumulo or Ndwedwe and the vehicle will serve a vital role in potentially life-saving circumstances.
The iLembe District had to submit a business plan to Cogta, proving that there would be adequate firefighting staff in order to source the funds.
A R2m grant was used to buy the fire engine for R1.5m, with the remainder used to buy equipment.
“The support from the department is immense. What is happening today will go down in history because it is a first for the iLembe Disaster Centre and Ndwedwe Local Municipality as well. As we all know fire and rescue services are only available in Mandeni and KwaDukuza and as a district, we hope this can also be extended to Maphumulo as well because there is a great need for this service,” said iLembe Mayor Sduduzo Gumede.
A water tanker was also donated to improve water provision for residents in Ndwedwe.
Following the reveal, Hlomuka handed over certificates to Mazo Luthuli and Zama Mkhize, both qualified firefighters in Ndwedwe who will be operating the new vehicle.
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