|
As part of International Fire Prevention Week, Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) Disaster and Emergency Services in partnership with Aganang Local Municipality (ALM) held an awareness campaign at Ipopeng One Stop Centre in Setumong Ga-Matlala. The campaign held under the theme,
'Living with Disability and Disasters' was also part of build-up to the International Disaster Risk Reduction Day on 13 October 2013.
In line with The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's (UNISDR) focus is on people living with disabilities in 2013, learners and educators from Mpopuleng Care Centre for the Mentally and Handicapped in Setumong village attended the event. The elderly and business people were targeted for this campaign which was also aimed at educating community members about safety and fire disasters prevention measures especially man-made fires. Other stakeholders represented included Working on Fire, Matlala SAPS, Aganang Parliamentary Democracy Office (PDO) and the department of Agriculture.
Capricorn District Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Divisional Officer, Mr Koena Moabelo emphasized the importance of preventing man-made fires including veld-fires and how people living with disability are more vulnerable to fire disasters.
"We must make sure that our houses have emergency exits in case of fire, especially looking at people living with disability. We further urge business people to always have safety measures in place on their premises in the form of fire extinguishers and avoid burning of explosive products after usage", Moabelo said. He further warned business owners to be alert as they will be embarking on regular inspections and there will be consequences for those who do not comply with safety standards requirements after the adoption of the District by-laws.
One of the community members in attendance, Mr Frans Nkgweng commended both municipalities on their initiative and further appealed for a local fire station in order to respond speedily to disasters.
"There is indeed a need for more sessions like this one in order to enhance awareness around prevention of man-made fires like veld-fires", Nkgweng said.
CDM has set aside in the current financial year (2013/2014) an amount of R1.5 million towards the construction of phase 1 of the Aganang Fire Station on the government area just opposite the municipal headquarters in Moletjie-Ceres. The phase 1 project will involve fencing, drilling of a borehole and designs.
Aganang Community Services Portfolio Chairperson, Cllr Stephen Phaka promised the municipality’s support towards people living with disabilities. He outlined the initiatives aimed to prevent disasters emanating from man-made fires. "We welcome the earmarked building of the fire station in Aganang Municipality as this will provide a quick and speedy response to occurring fire disasters including veld-fires which can lead to loss of lives", Cllr Phaka said.
|
