Fire fighting boost

In a neat public-private match, Santam Insurance Company handed over fire equipment worth R220 000 to the Makana Local Municipality Fire and Rescue Services this week. The timing was apt, because Fire and Rescue services have been tackling fires in and around Grahamstown over the past two months.

The equipment included skid units, fire branches, spades, hammers, protective clothing for fire fighters, torches, spotlights and foam cans.

Executive Head: Market Development, Temba Mvusi said Santam had similar pro-active risk management initiatives in 54 other South African local municipalities, under 10 district municipalities.

Previously known as BAAM ( Business- Adopt- A- Municipality), the Partnership for Risk and Resilience had direct benefits for the company when access to the disaster risk management plans and flood data for two municipalities in Mpumalanga saved the company a research bill of R4.2 million.

Mvusi said municipalities carried the responsibility of handling the consequences of disaster.

“Fire protection systems; safety and security; building regulations and building accessibility; adaptation to climate change and an increase in natural disasters, all form a suite of systemic risks, which must be addressed in a collaborative effort,” Mvusi said.

Manager of Makana Municipality's Fire Services William Welkom thanked Santam for the much-needed equipment.

“Makana Municipality is currently under financial strain and with the lack of equipment, it was a challenge to carry out our duties efficiently,” he said.

“This equipment will greatly assist us to achieve our objectives by providing an efficient and effective quality fire fighting service to the community of Makana.”

Makana Mayor Nomhle Gaga said Santam's donation to the municipality was a tangible demonstration of the partnership between business and local government.

Gaga praised staff at the Fire and Rescue Services for their efforts in ensuring a safe community: “Our fire fighters are among the bravest and most dedicated in the district,” she said.

Gaga pointed out that Makana is responsible for disaster management not only in Grahamstown, but also the rural areas of Seven Fountains, Salem, Fort Brown, Riebeeck East