MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, officially handed over specialized firefighting bakkies to four Free State district municipalities and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
By Staff Reporter
Informal settlements and vulnerable communities across the Free State are set to get faster help during fires after the MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Mr Saki Mokoena, recently handed over new firefighting bakkies to five municipalities.The vehicles went to the four district municipalities of the Free State and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
The handover forms part of a wider provincial push to cut disaster risk and improve emergency response times where they are needed most.Municipal leaders at the handover included Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Executive Mayor Mme Conny Msibi, Fezile Dabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Dennis Khasudi, Xhariep District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Irene Mehlomakulu, and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality MMC for Public Safety Cllr Logan.
The specialised bakkies are smaller and more manoeuvrable than conventional fire trucks. That matters in informal settlements, where narrow roads, dense housing and limited access often stop big fire engines from getting through. Delays in those areas have led to more damage to homes, property and livelihoods.
MEC Mokoena said the new trucks are built for accessibility and speed. “These vehicles will allow emergency teams to reach affected areas more quickly and help to minimise the loss of life, property and livelihoods,” he said. “It strengthens our municipal disaster preparedness and ensures communities get timely assistance when disasters strike.”Local government leaders welcomed the boost.
They said the bakkies will improve capacity to respond to fires in fire-prone and densely populated areas, while also supporting broader community safety efforts across the province.The provincial government says the investment reflects its commitment to building safer, more resilient communities and improving essential emergency services in both urban and rural parts of the Free State.
