DA helps to get children to safety
“Fire fighters failed to extinguish veld fire in Secunda,” said Mr Pierre Bosch, chief whip of the DA.
SECUNDA – Mr Pierre Bosch, chief whip of the DA, commented on the recent veld fires that began in the open field near Sasol’s Charlie 1 gate and the pre-schools and non-profit organisations.
Mr Bosch was there shortly after the fire broke out and helped to get the children to safety.
He reckons the Govan Mbeki Municipality has lost its ability to react to devastating fires and risked the lives of residents.
“The municipal fire brigade was unable to contain the fire,” said Mr Bosch.
“I found one fire fighter bakkie when I arrived there and the two fire fighters stood and observed the scene.
“In the midst of frantic parents and school staff trying to make sense of the situation, the fire fighters reacted casually and did not seem concerned.
“The principal who made the call for the fire department to come out, confirmed that it took between 10 and 15 minutes for the department to arrive.
“Buildings and classrooms filled with smoke and the situation could only be brought under control with the arrival of Sasol’s fire fighters.
“Municipal contractors who were working on the road leading to the premises, did not allow frantic parents to pass in order to reach their children.
“The fire department did not offer any help to the schools or other organisations, no proper protocol was followed and the final dousing of the fire was done by me, activists and volunteers who were on site.
“The lack of interest and bad service delivery has almost come to be expected from the Govan Mbeki Fire Department.
“If it were not for the willingness of the Sasol fire fighters, the outcome could have been tragic.”
Mr Bosch said: “The DA will pose questions to the mayor, put forth motions for reform and will demand a full investigation into the Govan Mbeki Municipal Fire Department.
“The DA will also embark on a fire safety awareness campaign with the staff of the affected schools to ensure that should a situation arise again, they are fully capable of helping the children.
The Echo and the Ridge Times asked the head of marketing and communications of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mr Henry Masango, for comment, but he did not respond at the time of going to print.
