Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mbali Mnaba and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Leah van Schalkwyk. See attached pictures here, here and here.
The DA commends the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for donating fire trucks to strengthen fire services in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. The donated fleet comprises a Nissan UD 40 Fire Truck, an Iveco Euro Cargo Fire Truck, and an Isuzu Fire Truck.
In terms of Section 84(1) (j) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998, district municipalities are responsible for providing firefighting services that serve the district as a whole. This donation will directly support the delivery of these essential services to residents across Moqhaka, Ngwathe, Mafube and Metsimaholo Local Municipalities.
For many municipalities, a shortage of specialised firefighting vehicles has severely constrained service delivery. The addition of these fire trucks will help improve operational readiness, reduce response times and better protect lives, property and the environment.
The DA also views this donation as a positive example of effective intergovernmental cooperation. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration between national and local governments in strengthening municipal capacity and ensuring that communities receive the disaster management and fire services they deserve.
We will exercise oversight to ensure that the vehicles are properly registered and maintained to deliver adequate services to residents for the long haul.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that Fezile Dabi has a well-equipped, efficient and accountable fire service unit that is capable of responding swiftly when communities need it most.