Muni teaches on dangers of fire and disability
Aganang Municipality kicked off their Fire Awareness Campaign at Ipopeng One Stop Centre in Setumong, Ga-Matlala
AS PART of International Fire Prevention Week, Capricorn District Municipality’s (CDM) disaster and emergency services in partnership with Aganang Municipality kicked off their Fire Awareness Campaign at Ipopeng One Stop Centre in Setumong, Ga-Matlala last Friday, under the theme: Living with Disability and Disasters.
This was also part of the build-up to International Disaster Risk Reduction Day in line with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, which is focusing on people living with disabilities.
Learners from the Mpepuleng Care Centre for the Mentally Handicapped in Setumong village, the elderly, and business people attended the event that was also aimed at educating people about safety and fire disasters and prevention measures, especially with reference to man-made fires that start mostly in kitchens.
Other attendees included representatives from Working on Fire, Matlala police station, Aganang parliamentary democracy office and the department of agriculture.
CDM’s fire and rescue divisional officer, Koena Moabelo emphasised the importance of preventing fires, including veldfires and how people living with disabilities were more vulnerable to fire disasters. “We must make sure our houses have emergency exits in case of fire, especially when people with disabilities are present. We urge businesses to always have safety measures in place on their premises in the form of fire extinguishers,” said Moabelo.
He said the municipality would conduct regular inspections and those found not complying would face the consequences.
One of the residents, Frans Nkgweng commended both municipalities on the initiative and appealed to them for a local fire station to ensure speedy response to disasters in the area.
“There is definitely a need for more sessions like this one in order to enhance awareness around the prevention of man-made fires like veldfires,” he said.
CDM recently announced that a budget of R1,5 million had been set aside towards the construction of phase 1 of the Aganang Fire Station.
Aganang Municipality community services portfolio committee 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.
Residents are encouraged to call for assistance in case of a fire or any disaster situation. The numbers are 0800 666 777 or (015) 293 9700.
