THE demolition and reconstruction of the Jacobs fire station is set to proceed after eThekwini Municipality approved a R6.3m project to rebuild the facility.

The facility was severely affected during the 2022 floods when a canal burst its banks, resulting in the water flooding the municipality’s crucial infrastructure.

The decision to reconstruct the Jacobs fire station was taken at a full council meeting on July 7.

The decision comes at a time when residents of nearby communities have been urging the municipality to rebuild the fire station due to the frequency of fire incidents.

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The station has been closed after assessments found it to be unsafe, structurally deteriorated and no longer compliant with building regulations.

According to eThekwini Municipality, experts also determined that renovating the facility would not be practical or cost-effective.

“The new fire station will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that meets current operational standards and supports the growing needs of the Jacobs precinct, which has seen significant industrial growth and increased demand for emergency services,” said eThekwini in a statement.

The project will be implemented over three financial years and is already at an advanced stage of planning and design.

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