FIREMAN'S DEATH HIGHLIGHTS STORMWATER PROBLEM

BY CLLR KAREN MEYER

I wish to add my condolences to those already extended to the family of Mr Henry Knox by my colleagues, Ben and Dana Wannenburg, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Tshwane Caucus. It is always sad when we lose our members, particularly when they lose their lives to either save or serve others in the community. We salute them!

As Alderman Gert Pretorius (DA Caucus Leader in Tshwane) indicated in a statement issued last week, how many more lives must be lost and/or property damaged before the Tshwane Metro Council gives urgent attention to the insufficient and inefficient storm water drainage system in the City of Tshwane? Clearly, the infrastructure cannot handle the flooding on the scale that we have been witnessing. Judging from world trends regarding unpredictable weather patterns, we can expect more of these types of natural disasters. WE NEED TO BE FULLY PREPARED!

A thorough risk analysis needs to be done immediately and the red areas identified. Once this has been done, adequate budgeting can take place. For example, the department of Disaster Management only receives about R12 000-00 per annum which is budgeted for disaster relief aid (eg. blankets). Other departments do assist but do not really budget for this.

Furthermore, are our emergency services properly equipped with general disaster management vehicles? Are their current vehicles sufficiently suited and equipped to deal with natural disasters such as flooding? If not, this should be budgeted for as a matter of priority.

We should not put the lives of our emergency services personnel at any greater risk –their jobs are hazardous enough. The DA wishes to thank each and every member who was (and still is) involved in rescue missions, for the sacrifices made in serving the residents of Tshwane. We pray for their safety.