Staff Shortage: Alberton fire station unable to adequately serve community

by Cllr. Tim Denny — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 30 October 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni has revealed that the Alberton fire station is buckling from chronic understaffing with 41% vacant positions.

According to the South African National Standards (10090 risk category), the minimum number of personnel required at the Alberton fire station should be 56, however, there are only 33 firefighters resulting in a shortfall of 23 or 41% shortfall.

With operational levels at just above 50%, Alberton firefighters are stretched to capacity and placed under continuous strain.

Across the metro, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is supposed to have at a minimum, 1160 firefighters however, there are only 728 firefighters resulting in a short fall of 432 or 37,24%.

How does the EFF-led coalition government in Ekurhuleni expect firefighters to provide a consistent and reliable service when they are so understaffed? This understaffing has a direct impact on the quality of services that can be provided to the residents, where every second is crucial to saving lives.

Given the recent disasters that have, unfortunately, occurred within the CoE, one would have expected some form of urgency in ensuring that the City at least meet minimum standards.

Our firefighters cannot continue operating under these conditions and as such, the DA will be tabling a motion in Council which will insist that all 432 vacant positions be declared critical and that the City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, does her job and ensures that all our fire stations have the required minimum number of firefighters.

Cllr. Tim Denny

DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

084 486 8556