AS PART of International Fire Prevention Week, the Capricorn District Municipality disaster and emergency service in partnership with Aganang Municipality kick started its fire awareness campaign at Ipopeng One Stop Centre in Setumong village at Ga-Matlala last Friday.
The campaign is themed: “Living with Disability and Disasters” and is part of the build-up to International Disaster Risk Reduction Day.
This is in line with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s focus on people living with disabilities in 2013.
Learners from the Mpepuleng Care Centre for the Mentally Handicapped in Setumong village attended the event, including the elderly and businesspeople who were targeted for the campaign.
The campaign was also aimed at educating the community about safety and fire disasters prevention measures, especially man-made fires starting mostly in kitchens.
Other stakeholders represented included Working on Fire, Matlala police station officials, Aganang Parliamentary Democracy Office and the department of agriculture.
Capricorn District Municipality fire and rescue divisional officer, Koena Moabelo emphasised the importance of preventing fires, including veldfires, and how people living with disability are more vulnerable to fire disasters.
“We must make sure our houses have emergency exits in case of fire, especially for people living with disabilities, and we urge businesspeople to always have safety measures in place on their premises in the form of fire extinguishers,” he advised.
Moabelo further said the muncipality would conduct regular inspections and those found not complying would face the consequences.
One of the residents in attendance, Frans Nkgweng, commended both municipalities on their initiative and further appealed for a local fire station in order to respond speedily to disasters.
“There is indeed a need for more sessions like this one in order to enhance awareness around the prevention of man-made fires like veldfires,” he said.
The Capricorn District Municipality recently announced that a budget of R1,5 million has been set aside towards the construction of phase 1 of the Aganang Fire Station.
Aganang Municipality community services portfolio chairperson, Stephen Phaka pledged the municipality’s support towards people living with disabilities and initiatives aimed at helping prevent disasters emanating from man-made fires.
“We also welcome the building of a fire station in Aganang as this will make it easier to respond to fire disasters including veldfires, which can lead to the loss of lives,” Phaka said.
Residents are encouraged to use the numbers 0800 666 777 or (015) 293 9700 for assistance in case of a fire or any other disaster situation.
