After the devastating fires that destroyed parts of Phalaborwa over the weekend, the FF Plus sent an urgent letter to the Tzaneen Local Municipality’s (GTM) director of Engineering Services, Ms Olga Tshisevhe, demanding answers regarding fire hydrants near high fire risk areas in Tzaneen which are either damaged or sealed off.
Tzaneen is frequently affected by water restrictions and shortages.
Concerned residents approached the FF Plus regarding the fire hydrant problem at a wood-processing plant, Tzaleba Mills, situated in the old industrial area.
The hydrants are sealed off, broken or damaged and as a result, fire services will not have access to enough water to put out a fire if one should break out at the premises.
The party visited the site and took photos of the fire hydrants.
Behind the plant is the Municipality’s informal housing scheme, the Talana Hostel, containing hundreds of homes that will be destroyed should a serious fire break out.
Therefore, the party demands answers to the following questions:
- 1. Who is responsible for damaging/sealing off the fire hydrants?
- 2. Is the Municipality aware of the state of these fire hydrants?
- 3. Will the fire hydrants be repaired or replaced, and when?
- 4. Is the relevant department conducting routine inspections to prevent damage to fire hydrants?
The FF Plus will continue to put pressure on the Tzaneen Municipality to ensure that the Municipality complies with disaster management legislation to protect residents against fires.
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