Louis Kotzé: Lekwa Fire Brigade lacks capacity to assist with fires
He made mention of four vehicles that are currently nonoperational.
Mr Louis Kotzé, Lekwa Fire Protection Association manager, recently said that Lekwa Fire Brigade lacks the resources to help with fighting fires, but Mr John Kock, Chief of the fire brigade in Standerton, disputed this statement.
This statement by Mr Kotzé came after fires raged in the Highveld region on 1 August.
Mr Kotzé alleged that vehicles are not well maintained and that firefighters’ protective clothing, as well as firefighting equipment, need replacement.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted Mr Kock who refuted the allegations.
He said they are up to the task and gave detailed descriptions of six fires and an accident they attended to over the last few days.
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When asked how many vehicles were in commission, he said they have three vehicles at their disposal.
He made mention of four vehicles that are currently nonoperational.
“Three of them have been at the workshop for repairs for about a month or so and the other vehicle is an imported vehicle of which the parts are difficult to obtain.
“We are frequently in discussions with the relevant departments to expedite repairs.
“The exchange rate also needs to be considered when parts for such vehicles are sought.”
Read the complete response in the next edition of the Standerton Advertiser.
