80% of Ekurhuleni fire engines are non-operational

22 November 2023

Under the leadership of the EFF/ANC, the City of Ekurhuleni’s fire services has fallen into a state of disrepair with 80% of all fire engines broken down, non-operational or simply collecting dust. While four million residents are left helpless in the event of a fire, nothing is being done by the Doomsday Coalition to ensure their safety.

In replies received by the Democratic Alliance in Council , it was revealed that of the 184 fire engines owned by CoE, shockingly only 37 are operational, rendering the emergency service paralysed. A critical service that is supposed to assist residents in their hour of need - is itself in critical condition and in need of saving.

If one looks at South African National Standards, Community protection against fire (SANS 10090), which stipulates the minimum standards for the rendering of a fire service, it is clear the CoE is failing in every category. The DA will be writing to the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon Thembisile Nkadimeng requesting for her department to conduct a forensic audit of the entire fire services across the City.

Of the 30 fire stations, 11 have absolutely no operational fire engines at all, and a further 10 fire stations only have one working fire engine. The situation is beyond critical - it is now severe - as people’s lives and property are in danger.

The DA will continue to hold the uncaring and failing so-called ‘Peoples Government’ to account. The People of Ekurhuleni deserve more.

Issued by Michael Waters, DA Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni, 22 November 2023