SEDIBENG.- The struggling Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) is trying in all its might to provide decent service delivery to the community.

In a move to enhance the firefighting capacity and service delivery, ELM, has added two brand new grass fire units to its fleet. The vehicles are worth R2 million which forms part of the R4.2 million funding by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) for the 2023/2024 financial year.

The vehicles were officially launched by ELM Mayor, Sipho Radebe and the MMC for Public Safety, Ndade Mokoena this week.

Radebe emphasized the importance of maintaining the vehicles, prevent wear and tear, and ensuring that they always operate at optimum capacity.

“I stand before you proud of this latest addition to our fleet considering that the two grass fire units will vastly boost our firefighting efforts. I am happy about the work the Public Safety Department is doing under the strong leadership of MMC Mokoena, it is only fitting to say that the lives and properties of our residents are in good hands as emergency services in the municipality improve for the better.” Radebe said.

Other than the two Land-Cruisers, the department also secured an air compressor worth half a million, two sets of jaws of life worth a million and a TETRA radio system that is compatible with the South African Police Services (SAPS) radio frequency. Highlighting the importance of this acquisition, Ngubeni said the municipality now has a notable fleet that will improve emergency response time. The ELM said that with the festive season upon us, the municipality is on high alert to respond to fires and other related emergencies.

Residents are urged to be responsible with open flames and managing fires in general, this includes grilling (braai) over an open fire.

In addition to practicing fire safety, residents are urged report any fire-related incidents by contacting their emergency call centre on 087 310 9622, 087 310 9632 or 087 310 9633.