DA calls for investigation into substation fire

DA calls for investigation into substation fire 

By Brian Kajengo

The DA is concerned about the state of readiness of Emalahleni’s fire and rescue service to effectively perform its duty following a fire that destroyed a mini substation in Campbell Street, extension 8 over the weekend.

The first fire truck that arrived to put out the blaze had to turn back as it did not have water. The fire only controlled after a resident of Campbell Street, assisted the emergency service workers by providing them with a garden hose to douse the fire.

By the time the second truck arrived, the fire had already been contained and everything in the substation completely destroyed, leaving a large portion of ext 8 without power.

Fire and rescue services are essential services and its efficiency can be determining in a life or death matter. In this light, Emalahleni administrator Theo Van Vuuren must make the restoration of the fire service a top priority.

We will therefore be submitting questions to council with regards to the state of Emalahleni’s emergency fire and rescue service’s ability to handle such disasters.

We will also table a motion in council asking for a thorough investigation of the state of the substations carried out.

The DA values the safety of community members across the province and will not allow for the degradation of those entrusted with protecting it.