Local Company Urhwebo e-Transand Boosts Firefighting Efforts by Upgrading Emergency Airstrip

In a commendable display of corporate citizenship and community support, Urhwebo e-Transand has stepped forward to provide essential maintenance to the Denneoord Emergency Airbase in the Garden Route district, with George Fire Chief Neels Barnard expressing profound gratitude for their assistance. The emergency airbase, the first of its kind on municipal land within the district, has been a pivotal installation since 2017 for bolstering firefighting efforts, particularly during the perilous summer months.

Barnard's commendation comes as Urhwebo e-Transand recently completed grading and leveling work at the airstrip. This key upgrade was done at zero cost to the municipality, showcasing the local industry's spirit of philanthropy and its commitment to safeguarding the region’s communities and natural environment from wildfires.

Given the strategic importance of the Denneoord Emergency Airbase, the upgrade cannot be overstated. Being on municipal property, it provides a host of operational advantages that are not accessible through commercial airports. Specifically, during the high-risk fire season—which alarmingly coincides with the bustling holiday period—having an airstrip dedicated to emergency response ensures that firefighting aircraft are not delayed by the usual commercial air traffic.

The collaborative effort involving George Municipality, the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, Working on Fire, and Garden Route District Municipality has significantly cut down response times for firefighting planes. The well-equipped airbase boasts a full suite of facilities, including a runway, helipad, firebase, hangars, taxiways, and a water refilling point. During the height of the fire season, an array of aerial firefighting assets, including three fixed-wing spotters, two bombers, and a chopper, stand ready at the base, providing swift and decisive action against burgeoning wildfires.

Furthermore, even outside of the fire season, the airbase maintains a readiness posture with at least one plane and a chopper on standby. Municipalities within the Garden Route district can swiftly call upon these critical firefighting services as needed, thus reinforcing the area's resilience against the frequent threat of fires.

The invaluable contribution of Urhwebo e-Transand in upgrading the emergency airstrip speaks volumes of the private sector's potential role in enhancing public safety infrastructure. By volunteering resources and expertise, Urhwebo e-Transand has not only lifted some financial burden from the local government but has also reaffirmed the vital importance of rapid response capabilities in managing and mitigating the impact of wildfires across the Garden Route region.

This gesture of goodwill does not only pertain to the direct benefit of improved emergency response. It also resonates deeply within the community, serving to inspire other organizations to contribute towards common goals that serve the public interest, thereby forging stronger, more resilient communities ready to cope with whatever challenges they may face.