The North West Provincial Department of Local Government and Human Settlements has announced that the first phase of the construction of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will soon be completed.

The centre, which costs R15 million, is being established to improve the work done by disaster management.

“The construction of this centre in Mahikeng, which is in line with the Disaster Management Act, will be on-going in this financial year. This project will take the duration of 18 months,” said MEC Collen Maine.

He said his department will provide municipalities with the necessary tools of trade to correctly respond when disaster strikes.

Five municipalities will be supported with fire fighting vehicles and equipment. R2.1 million will be allocated to Mamusa Local Municipality, R700 000 to Naledi Local Municipality and R4.2 million to Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), for purchasing of fire engines.

NMMDM will be allocated R325 000, while Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and Bojanala Platinum District Municipality will each receive R625 000 for disaster management support.

Maine said they want to build capacity within the fire and rescue services in municipalities in order to improve service delivery and save lives and property.

“Community based fire awareness campaigns will also be conducted to ensure that our people are empowered to deal with emergencies before the arrival of the professionals,” said Maine.

 

(SAnews.gov.za)