NATIONAL NEWS - In a significant step towards enhancing disaster response and firefighting capabilities at the local level, the Western Cape Government officially handed over firefighting vehicles, essential equipment and a financial grant to the Overberg District Municipality.
Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, handed over the firefighting equipment to the Overberg District during a ceremony held this week at the Bredasdorp Fire Station.
The handover forms part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting municipalities in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of disaster risk reduction, fire prevention, and emergency response.
Delivering the keynote address, Bredell said the investment in firefighting and disaster risk management is an important part of the provincial government’s response to climate change and population growth.
“We need to be ready to respond to more severe floods, droughts and wildfires, and we need to be able to do this for a growing population, which elevates the risk profiles of these events,” he said.
With its headquarters in Bredasdorp, the Overberg District Municipality governs four local municipalities of Cape Agulhas, Overstrand, Swellendam and Theewaterskloof.
The equipment includes firefighting vehicles (2 water tankers and 2 bakkies), portable firefighting equipment, protective gear for fire fighting personnel, communication and operational tools, and a financial grant allocation.
This strategic intervention will significantly bolster the district’s ability to respond effectively to fires and emergencies across its jurisdiction, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Bredell also acknowledged the crucial role private landowners play in the prevention and management of wildfires in the province.
He said the provincial department is also supporting the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association with R400 000 to do capacity building, as they play an invaluable role in firefighting.
During the 2024/25 fire season, the province provided R3.6 million to the Overberg District for aerial support during 23 fires, where ground teams were deployed at six of these fires.
“We are also planning the establishment of a 10-person provincial ground team in Bredasdorp to strengthen their ability to combat fires and keep residents safe.”
Bredell said the equipment, together with the various support measures, totals support of R7.7 million for the Overberg District.
“I want to thank the strong leadership and good management in place in the Overberg District, as this makes it easy for the province to provide support and invest in established services that are well run.”
He took the time to thank the men and women who work as firefighters.
“It takes a special kind of person who runs towards danger when the rest of society tries to run away from it. Thank you for your brave work. This investment in equipment and training is also our contribution to your safety.” – SAnews.gov.za
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