Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estie Senekal and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently visited the Bethlehem fire department after receiving several complaints from residents about the department’s failure to respond to emergency calls.
We found that the phone numbers used to call the fire department are no longer in service and that the entire department is in a state of chaos and neglect. See photos here, here, here, and here.
During our visit to the fire station, we were shocked to witness the dilapidated state of the building. Rainwater has seeped through the roof, causing the paint on the walls to peel off. The workers fear that the flat roof may collapse at any moment, which is a significant risk to their safety. Additionally, the station has no backup power supply, leaving the staff to work in the dark during loadshedding.
Perhaps the most alarming discovery was that there is only one working fire engine at the station, and it is not entirely functional.
The DA has repeatedly requested that the authorities conduct an oversight visit to the Bethlehem fire station to investigate and address these issues. However, we have yet to receive any feedback or a set date for the visit. This inaction by the authorities is unacceptable and puts the community at risk.
As a comparison, we contacted the fire brigade in DA-governed Midvaal at various times of the day and night. We were pleased to find that the phone was answered within a maximum of two rings, indicating that the department is well-staffed, responsive, and functional.
The DA will continue to apply pressure to ensure that the fire department in Dihlabeng is better equipped and more efficient in responding to emergencies. Neglecting the fire department is a significant risk to the community, and urgent action is needed to address the current situation.