South-East Emergency Services Company wants render a private fire and rescue service
The company’s six priorities for fire services are safety management people, integration, incident management, medical response and risk reduction and prevention.
SECUNDA – A group of local emergency experts belief they have the solution to the burning issue of an understaffed but overburdened municipal fire brigade.
“Privatisation,” said Mr Douw Steenkamp who was the chief of the local emergency services for many years.
“Those years the fire brigade and ambulance services were integrated and I believe this can be achieved again,” said Mr Steenkamp.
Two other former firefighters, Messrs Robert Leach and Frikkie Oosthuizen, have joined Mr Steenkamp to form the South-East Emergency Service Company (SEESC).
The group has decided to ask residents’ opinions on a privatised emergency service to deal with fires, accidents and any other matters considered emergencies.
“Privatisation is an approach that is sweeping the world due to cost and service delivery.
“Various forms of private sector fire services exist, namely industrial services, forestry and aviation. Many municipalities over the world have also privatised their emergency services,” explained Mr Steenkamp.
Mr Oosthuizen added: “Currently the municipal emergency services are not self-sustaining.
We want to render a first class emergency service to all inhabitants within the time frame as described for a professional service, and we believe that to secure funding or levies from the private and business sector, as well as the insurance fraternity, can address the problem of self-sustainability.”
The SEESC has already ordered two fire engines and are in consultation with other private companies to find a way to start their concept.
“We are extremely disciplined and we therefor do not want to compromise on discipline or on adhering to safety rules,” said Mr Oosthuisen.
They are looking at rendering fire services, rescue services, special services such as hazmat incidents, fire prevention training and emergency medical services, as well as opening an emergency call-taking centre.
A large part of the SEESC will be dependent on volunteers and part-time employees.
The company’s six priorities for fire services are safety management people, integration, incident management, medical response and risk reduction and prevention.
Their goal is to bring professional emergency services to the Govan Mbeki Municipal area and to be proud of their professional services.
According to Mr Steenkamp, the current municipal fire service’s fleet is 20 years and older.
“Specialised vehicles need to be replaced, old and outdated equipment should be replaced or upgraded and the facility being used as a fire house should be SABS approved.”
If you want to voice your opinion, sent it to Mr Steenkamp’s Whatsapp along with your name and address to 082 647 3835.
