Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has raised concern over shortage of fire engines in Gauteng. Min Dlamini- Zuma said municipalities have only 104 fire trucks operating. A total of 205 trucks was needed.
Dlamini-Zuma said Johannesburg has 21 fire trucks but only six are operating to serve the city.
“Fire-fighting role is done by all metros but category B and C municipalities do not have an authority to render such service. City of Tshwane has 45 fire trucks but only 26 are operating.Tshwane has spent more than R9.5 million of fire equipment in two years. As for Ekurhuleni district, it has spent R5.7 million on fire-fighting equipment in 2019/20 financial year”, she added.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase said the city has more than 1.4 million households with 5.5 million people and is spread over 1.645km2. He said the city asks for assistance with fire trucks from neighbouring metros.
“For the current financial year, city has set aside R200 million budget for supply, delivery and maintenance of additional fire trucks. In 2019, a losing bidder asked for a winning contract worth more than R500 million to be set aside. Other losing bidders are arguing about tender irregularities during bidding process. One of them opened a case at Johannesburg High court and due to that everything is undecided”, he said.
