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The Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality is facing a dire situation with only one fire truck stationed in the QwaQwa Fire Station to service a vast area, including Harrismith, Kestell, and Phuthaditjhaba, 35 wards and over 300,000 people.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is gravely concerned about the current state of affairs, which is causing significant delays in getting to fire incidents. In Kestell, three buildings burnt to the ground over the past year due to challenges in reaching the fires within the critical time.

It takes an hour for the only fire truck to reach fire incidents in Harrismith or Kestell, causing buildings to burn down and leading to an economic downturn in these areas. The DA has addressed the Director of Public Safety, Transport and Protection Services Directorate about the state of the Fire and emergency services.

This crisis is compounded by extended electricity load-shedding as people rely on gas, petrol, paraffin and candles more. Further compromising this service, is reaching the fire station via cell phone during loadshedding as the landline is currently not working. These areas do not always have water due to loadshedding, which means no water is available should the fire truck run out of water.

The DA will continue to engage with the Fire Services, local and district municipalities to find solutions ahead of the fire season. Without urgent intervention, the area is at risk of disaster. The DA in MaP is committed to fighting for the communities until they receive the services they deserve.

The lack of resources in the Fire and emergency services unit is having a significant impact on the safety and well-being of the residents. The DA will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for change until the community receives the services they deserve.

Issued by Richard Khumalo - DA Spokesperson on Public Safety, Transport and Protection Services in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality