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The residents of Maluti-A-Phofung have experienced a devastating winter fire season worsened by the disregard of the Local Municipality for the state of the fire department. The multiple incidents led the DA to take steps to establish why in most of these cases, the fire department did not respond effectively.

The DA conducted an oversight visit of the Maluti-A-Phofung fire department.
What the DA found was a fire department in shambles due to neglect.
• The fire department has no serviceable fire engines for house fires.
• Vehicles have been unavailable for the past five years (only one licensed fire engine for veld fires, two additional vehicles have expired license discs and veld fire engines are not suitable for house fires).
• The fire department does not have adequate fire-fighting clothing.
• The operating equipment required for the control room is unserviceable resulting in delayed responses.
• The building infrastructure is crumbling, creating a working environment that is not suitable for staff to conduct their duties.
The Maluti-A-Phofung Department of Safety, Transport, and Protective Services has long neglected and abandoned its responsibility.
The DA will pose questions to the local municipality about the situation and push for those who are responsible to be held accountable. Additionally, we will file questions in the Provincial Legislature to highlight the situation. The fire department must serve the residents of Maluti-A-Phofung, we cannot continue losing lives and livelihoods due to inaction.

Issued by Moshe Lefuma - DA Councillor Maluti A Phofung