Staff Shortage: Edenvale Fire Station unable to adequately serve community

by Ald Bill Rundle — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 30 October 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni has revealed that the Edenvale fire station is buckling from chronic understaffing and is the most understaffed firestation in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) with a 55 per cent vacancy.

According to the South African National Standards (10090 risk category) the minimum number of personnel required at the Edenvale fire station should be 56 however there are only 25 firefighters resulting in a short fall of 31 firefighters or 55% shortfall. With operational levels well below 50%, Edenvale fire fighters are stretched to capacity and placed under continuous strain. Resulting in residents been on the brunt of poor service delivery.

Across the metro, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is supposed to have, as 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 Government of 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 service that can be provided, 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 positions be declared critical and that the City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi does her job and ensures that all our fire stations have the minimum number of firefighters.

Ald Bill Rundle

DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni

074 111 2488