The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Midvaal Local Municipality on Friday inaugurates a new fire station at Vaal Marina, SurgeZirc SA reports.
In a statement made available to SurgeZirc SA, it was disclosed that the Midvaal Fire station project was approved by Council at a total cost of R16 million, with strict financial practices were followed to ensure that the project did not go over budget.
SurgeZirc SA learnt that the construction had been previously halted for a few years due to challenges in receiving the water use license. The DA-led administration persisted and pushed until it was resolved with the relevant inter-governmental structures.
It was also revealed that after the completion of the project, the municipality began procuring specialised vehicles and world-class equipment for the new Midvaal fire station.
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The statement confirms that the local members with pre-requisite skills and qualifications have been employed as well as other experienced professionals from other fire stations within the municipality to assist in the initial set-up of service and operations. A minimum of 8 staff members will be on duty at any given time.
It is believed that the fire station will be crucial in offering firefighting and recuse services to prevent the loss of properties and lives due to fire outbreaks.
READ ALSO: DA Slams Cele For Snubbing Killings In Walmer Township
In another development, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called out Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, for snubbing killings in Walmer Township to campaign in Korsten.
According to a statement issued by the DA on Friday, it was revealed that earlier this week in Walmer Township, killings of about 9 people were recorded with 5 injured in a killing spree that took place over 48 hours, while in Korsten violence broke out allegedly involving the taxi industry and business owners in the area.
It was gathered that both incidents were extremely fatal and required a swift and strong response from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Instead of visiting Walmer Township, where the SAPS satellite police station has been closed since 2017 leading to an increase in violent crime, Minister Cele instead targeted many law-abiding business owners through what appears to have been an unlawful search and seizure operation yielding little to no result.
“Earlier this year the Nelson Mandela Bay economy was held to ransom by protesting taxis and who shut the city down for almost a week but Minister Cele was nowhere to be seen.
“On Wednesday this week, Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga went to Walmer Township to address the issue of the killings and assess the status of the SAPS satellite police station. The DA has been campaigning since 2017 to have this satellite police station reopened and on Thursday the Mayor wrote to Minister Cele requesting, yet again, that the station be reopened,” the statement reads.
