Benoni only has two working fire engines — DA

by Cllr. Mary Goby — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Cllr. Lornette Joseph — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 24 November 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

Under the EFF/ANC-led City of Ekurhuleni, the fire services is in a state of disrepair with 80 percent of all fire engines in Benoni are broken down, non-operational and collecting dust, while four million residents are left helpless as there is simply no emergency vehicles available to respond to any life threatening emergencies!

In replies received by the Democratic Alliance it was revealed that the 184 fire engines owned by CoE, shockingly only 37 are operational, rendering the emergency service paralysed. A critical service that is supposed to assist residents in their hour of need — is itself in critical condition and in need of saving.

Of the 11 fire engines allocated to Benoni’s three fire stations, only two are working. Benoni Central fire station is the worst affected with all four fire engines not working, Rynfield fire station has four fire engines of which only one is working and Farramere fire station has one out of three fire engines in operation.

If one looks at South African National Standards, Community protection against fire (SANS 10090), which stipulates the minimum standards for the rendering of a fire service, it is clear the CoE is failing in every category. The DA will be writing to the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon Thembisile Nkadimeng requesting for her department to conduct a forensic audit of the entire fire services across the City.

Of the 30 fire stations, 11 have absolutely no operational fire engines at all, and a further 10 fire stations only have one working fire engine. The situation is beyond critical — it is now severe — as people’s lives and property are in danger.

The DA will continue to hold the uncaring and failing so-called ‘Peoples Government’ to account. The People of Ekurhuleni deserve more.

Cllr. Mary Goby

DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

082 679 7109