Severe shortcomings within the fire department of the Dihlabeng Municipality is a huge concern for residents. A critical lack of resources and operational failures place residents, businesses, and firefighters at grave risk.
Bethlehem only has two operational fire trucks, with two others out of order. These fire trucks are supposed to service over 90 000 people within the Dihlabeng Municipality.
In 1988, the firefighters repainted the buildings themselves and it is said that no maintenance has been done since.
The one fire truck’s ladder is non-functional, making high-rise firefighting impossible, whereas another truck’s pump was removed years ago and has never been replaced.
The jaws of life sets are outdated, with the last service recorded in 2013. The firefighters also lack essential protective clothing and gloves.
There is no functional telephone system at the fire station due to a municipal contract issue unresolved for the last five years. The main fire station’s roof is deteriorating and is at risk of collapse. The department operates with only eight firefighters per shift, rather than the required three-shift system.
Without proper municipal support, local farmers have been stepping in to assist during fire emergencies. Previously, regular coordination meetings were held between firefighters and farmers, but these have ceased.
Dr Roy Jankiehlson, DA leader in the Provincial Legislature and the caucus leader, has formally requested that firefighting equipment from Working on Fire, currently unused in Bloemfontein, be reassigned to local teams.
Given the severe understaffing, he has also proposed training volunteers to provide additional support.
“These issues will be escalated to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and submit a formal complaint to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). If these unsafe working conditions persist, the Department of Labour may be forced to shut down the fire station entirely,” says Jankiehlson.
Authorities were asked to act immediately to ensure that Bethlehem’s fire brigade is adequately equipped and staffed.
