Equipped to handle the heat
Addressing the shortage of staff, while ensuring Newcastle is fully prepared for whatever comes their way, Protection Services has killed two birds with one stone.
Fully equipped for whatever Mother Nature has to offer.
An unspoken mantra that couldn’t be more relevant to Newcastle Protection Services.
Dealing with disaster is no easy task for any town. Floods and fires can bring cities to their knees, regardless of how prepared they are for what fate has to offer.
Earlier this year, Protection Services’ Acting Chief Fire Officer, Nelson Mpeko advised the Executive Committee that ward councillors needed to identify two volunteers as part of the Disaster Management Recruitment and Training Strategy.
The criteria for deciding who will be recruited as a volunteer is similar to the criteria used by other municipalities. “The criteria followed by other local municipalities was to request ward councillors to nominate a secretary of each ward committee as the initial phase,” explained Mr Mpeko.
Mr Mpeko was instructed to research methods of funding of the stipend, and submit a report by the next EXCO meeting.
“My proposal as Acting Chief Fire Officer is to use the R300 000 available on Cost Centre 260/242 to cover the initial expenses for the remainder of 2014/2015. I have already submitted an item to my director for his perusal and if it is approved it will go for Portfolio Committee,” said Mr Mpeko.
Identifying two volunteers per ward was not only necessary, but mandatory.
“The significance of starting this process is that it is mandatory in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 (as amended), Policy Framework for Disaster Risk Management in South Africa of 2005 as well as Policy Framework for Disaster Risk Management within the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.”
A shortage of staff is attributed to the difficulties faced by Protection Services. “Newcastle Disaster Management and Fire Safety unit has been working with limited staff for more than three decades. We want to augment this unit and strengthen job-creation,” he concluded.
Volunteers will be tasked with assisting ward councillors with disaster management. The volunteers will undergo training, but the duration and nature of the training have not yet been disclosed.
Addressing the shortage of staff, while ensuring Newcastle is fully prepared for whatever comes their way, Protection Services has killed two birds with one stone. While the initiative is commendable, we can only hope the volunteers can handle the heat.
With the interests of the community at heart, we wish Protection Services well in their venture for change and reformation.
