Call for help from Clover came too late – says Municipal Manager
Municipal Manager, Mr PS Mkhize says Clover delayed calling for emergency services to respond to devastating fire
Following the fire that engulfed the powder milk production facility at a Clover factory in Estcourt on Wednesday afternoon, tensions are running high due to the poor service received from the local fire department.
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One scene was one van and two firefighters from the Inkosi Langalibalele Local municipality Fire Department. According to the Municipal Manager, Mr PS Mkhize, Clover is to blame.
“The problem was that Clover delayed calling for emergency services. The call was made by someone who passed by the factory and noticed the smoke coming from the building. When the firefighters arrived, the flames were already very high and they had already called for assistance from other organisations,” explained Mr Mkhize.
He went on to add that a call was received by the fire department at 3.30pm.
“We responded with five firefighters who used three hydrants from the factory, fire hoses, four branches, foam drums and one van. We called and got assistance from the Okhahlamba Local Municipality with one fire engine and six firefighters. Alfred Duma Municipality (Ladysmith) came with one fire engine and four firefighters. N3TC responded with a water tank and four firefighters, Gerry’s Motors Garage assisted with one water pump and two firefighters,” Mr Mkhize explained.
David Allen who was on scene begs to differ with the Municipal Manager’s statements.
“It is embarrassing that our local municipal firefighters arrived to fight such a big fire with one van. Yes, the firefighters were excellent but how much can they do with no equipment,” expressed Mr Allen.
After making several unanswered calls to the local emergency centre Louise Labuschagne, wife of one of the factory workers at Clover, drove to the fire station.
“I was told that there are no fire trucks that work to respond to the fire and that the fire engine has no pipes to connect to the water tanker. I was shocked to see the pipes lying in the grass near the exit,” explained an enraged Mrs Labuschagne.
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