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I note the statement today by Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku which reiterates his intention to provincialise Johannesburg emergency services.

It is disappointing that he wishes to go ahead with this despite a lack of consultation with the Johannesburg Metro which recently beefed up its services by buying 42 new ambulances.

The Gauteng Emergency Services Department is notorious for inefficiency and failing to spend its budget despite the vast need for a speedy ambulance service.

Last year, this department was unable to spend R153 million due to "delay in the filling of vacant posts and the release of payments to fleet services".

A rushed takeover of Johannesburg emergency services would be disastrous.

Proper consultation is needed so that an optimum arrangement is made between the City and the Province in this matter.

I appeal to Health MEC Masuku to meet urgently with Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Michael Sun to consider his proposal for a hybrid model that would best provide emergency services to the city.

Issued by The DA