The Dipaleseng Local Municipality (Balfour, Grootvlei and Greylingstad) is failing its residents when it comes to emergency services.
The disaster management unit, responsible for handling fires, accidents and other emergencies, was unable to provide any assistance during a fire in Balfour because its vehicles and equipment are poorly maintained.
On Sunday 16 August, a short circuit caused an electrical fire at a substation in Balfour. Residents had no choice but to use fire extinguishers to put out the fire themselves.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) contacted the fire services and reported the emergency, but the fire brigade did not respond.
Dipaleseng has a disaster centre with six trained firefighters who work shifts during the day and are on standby at night.
A few months ago, the Municipality received a one-ton emergency response vehicle from the Gert Sibande District Municipality. Even though the vehicle is stationed at the centre, it has not been equipped with the relevant gear and can, therefore, not be used.
No equipment has been procured for a period of 24 months. A fire-fighting bakkie has been out of commission for more than a month, because the pumps are not working and the supplier has not been paid.
A local mine donated a fire engine to the Municipality about nine months ago. Only the vehicle was donated – the Municipality had to acquire the necessary equipment itself.
Clearly, fire-fighting equipment, whether procured or donated, will only be of value to the community if it is properly managed and maintained.
The blame for the ANC-controlled Municipality’s poor governance should be laid at the door of the Executive Mayor, Busi Khanye, and the relevant Mayoral Committee Member, Ahmed Carrim.
On 4 November, voters should vote for the Freedom Front Plus, which will ensure, through sound financial and operational management, that emergency services genuinely reach all residents.
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