Fire ravages school building
It took residents two hours to locate the local fire truck and driver.
EVERY second counts in an emergency and could mean the difference between life and death. Well, for residents in Umuziwabantu, near Harding, an emergency number is non existent.
The problem became very real when fire swept through a house on the Harding Primary School property last Saturday night.
It took residents two hours to locate the local fire truck and driver.
Exacerbating the situation, they couldn’t get into the property because the gate was locked.
The former principal, Ellen Swartling, moved out just days before the devastating fire. She spent many happy years caring for the house and garden and was often seen between the roses that she so loved.
Ellen resigned in December 2015 and, unfortunately, the acting or appointed principal will have to wait for repairs to be done before moving in.
Police spokesman, Captain Gerald Mfeka said a security guard at the school noticed smoke coming from the house.
“He notified the principal, who called the police. While investigating, the security guard noticed that the burglar guard on one of the bedroom windows was cut and a brick was lying near the window.
“It is alleged that someone was trying to cut open the safe with a grinder, and that set the house on fire,” said Captain Mfeka.
No arrests have yet been made and Harding detectives are investigating a case of arson.
Residents were angry about the lack of service.
“How can a town in this day and age not have an emergency number?”
Many watched helplessly as the school building was gutted.
One businessman said there was only one fireman and one fire engine.
“Homeowners and businesses are at high risk. Our insurance is high due to the municipality not having additional firemen and more fire vehicles,” he said.
Another said: “Our lazy municipality must make a radical charge.”
Umuziwabantu Municipality spokesman Nkosikhona Zwane acknowledge the query, comment was not immediately forthcoming.
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