Over R15 Million Allocated to Enhance Garden Route’s Fire and Disaster Preparedness

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has received a substantial boost in its fire and disaster management response capabilities, thanks to over R15 million in grant funding allocated by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG). This commitment underscores the increasing necessity for fortified emergency services given the escalating climate change impacts experienced across the region.

Funding from the WCG's Department of Local Government (DLG), Directorate Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management’s Fire Services, has already resulted in significant projects within the 2023/2024 financial year. A state-of-the-art Regional Fire Station was unveiled early February 2024, supported by a R3 million contribution. This was accompanied by the delivery of a R 2,5 million hook lift truck, designed for flood and related responses in June 2024.

The GRDM's enhanced capabilities also include a R 981 000 fully equipped firefighting light duty vehicle, a R 500 000 mobile hazmat response unit, and an equal investment in a smoke detector rollout initiative. Additionally, a R 1,2 million water delivery tanker has been procured to address water services issues.

With sights set on the future, the WCG continues its support with a R7,2 million grant for the upcoming financial years. This will fund a R5 million flood response unit, featuring various containerised equipment caches and a hovercraft. R 1 million is reserved for advanced hazardous material equipment, and another R 1,2 million water delivery truck is on the acquisition list.

Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager, emphasized during a handover ceremony the district's growing need to aid local municipalities, particularly with the rising incidence of fires. Ettienne du Toit, Deputy Director for Fire Services in the Western Cape, highlighted that the province endured eight disasters in the present year, stirring R9 billion in damages absorbed by the WCG.

Du Toit praised the water response project as a pioneering initiative in the Western Cape. He acknowledged the escalating frequency of floods and fires, stressing the importance of this investment. The water tankers are not only for water distribution but are integral in humanitarian efforts.

The long-term plan includes equipping every town within the Western Cape with sophisticated hazmat capabilities. As informal settlements expand, so does the risk of fire-related tragedies. Du Toit expressed encouragement over the ongoing installation of smoke alarms and commended the development of the fire station and the firefighters' preparedness.