Still no fire engine for Northview residents
NORTHVIEW – The City's emergency services is depending on neighbouring stations to assist in cases of emergency.
The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has refuted claims that the Northview Fire Station has no fire engine.
This after a resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted North Eastern Tribune requesting that this rumour is probed.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg EMS, Robert Mulaudzi, could not confirm or deny the rumour. He said to his knowledge the fire station has one fire engine but could not confidently say it was functional.
Read: Cancelled fire engine contract sets City EMS back
“From my knowledge, the Northview Fire Station has a fire engine unless it is broken but that information has not been reported to our office,” said Mulaudzi.
Contrary to Mulaudzi, another EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe, confirmed that the station has, in fact, no fire engine. On 12 June, when asked, Radebe told Tribune they have alternative stations to assist in emergency cases before blaming this on the ageing fleet.
“Yes, that’s true… the City has a long-term plan to replace the ageing fleet as most fire engines have problems because of their mileage.
“There is an urban, search and rescue (USAR) vehicle at the station as the first responder and Alexandra and Sandton are covering the area. The vehicle is in for repairs and will return to the station as soon as it is in proper condition,” she said.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba delivered one fire engine to Florida Park, Lawley, Ivory Park and Eldorado Park fire stations on 13 June.
Read: 29 fire engines back on Joburg’s roads in under a month
According to a statement issued by the City, the delivery forms part of the City’s efforts to replace the ageing fleet at various fire stations, however, Northview was not a recipient.
Details: Nana Radebe 083 444 6849.
