COSATU Gauteng calls for urgent attention to the shortage of fire engines and trucks in City of Joburg

6 February 2024

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng is alarmed by the shocking revelation that there is a shortage of fire engines and trucks in the City of Johannesburg. The fact that, currently, there are only a maximum of ten(10) fully functioning fire engines and trucks for the entire City, is a matter of grave concern and poses a severe threat to the safety and well-being of residents.

Firefighting equipment plays a crucial role in responding to emergencies and safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of fires, especially taking into consideration the tragic events of fire outbreaks that have befell the inner-city recently.  The scarcity of operational fire engines and trucks in Johannesburg raises serious questions about the City’s preparedness and ability to handle emergency situations effectively.

Judging from the City’s evident incapacitated response to fires, the Federation calls for the municipality to urgently address this matter by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current state of all fire engines and trucks in the city, to determine the extent of the shortage and prioritize necessary repairs or replacements and allocate sufficient budgetary resources to procure new fire engines and trucks, ensuring that the fire department is adequately equipped to respond to emergencies across the City.

It must also provide ongoing training for firefighters and ensure that there are sufficient trained personnel to operate and maintain the fire engines and trucks.

COSATU Gauteng will closely monitor the developments related to this issue and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the lives of workers and the broader community are addressed promptly and comprehensively.

Issued by Amos Monyela, Provincial Chairperson, COSATU Gauteng, 6 February 2024