Crèches are now ready to fight fires
Tshwane has delivered fire safety equipment, including serviced and upgraded extinguishers, hose reels and hydrants, to nine early childhood development centres in regions 3 and 6.
This comes after a routine inspection by the DA caucus's Section 79 Community and Social Development oversight committee, chaired by Phuti Kwenaite.
'Recently, we pointed out there are maintenance elements that have been neglected in Tshwane's ECDs.'
She said the fire extinguisher problem was supposed to be addressed two years ago.
Kwenaite highlighted the significant risk posed when fire extinguishers are neither present nor functional.
'It is a big risk for the extinguishers not to be there and functioning.
'This is why the fire department took some time for some of these ECDs to open.'
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi confirmed that Tshwane has completed the servicing and upgrading of fire-fighting equipment, with a sharp focus on ECD centres.
She said the initiative, executed by Group Property Management, ensures full compliance with national safety standards, specifically SANS 10400 Part T (fire safety) and SANS 1475 (fire extinguishers).
Marodi added that these mandate the installation, maintenance and servicing of portable fire suppression equipment.
'It includes the maintenance of fire extinguishers, hose reels, and hydrants and forms part of the city's annual fire safety programme.'
She said these maintenance efforts signal a broader shift in Tshwane's multiparty coalition prioritising the safety of employees, children and communities.
Marodi added that maintaining a safe workplace supports an efficient municipality and reflects Tshwane's commitment to this principle.
'Reinforcing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards remains pivotal to protecting employees and service users.
'This intervention forms part of an ongoing effort to strengthen internal systems, promote compliance, and safeguard infrastructure, all aimed at delivering reliable and dignified services to residents.'
ALSO READ: Mamelodi youth punches back at crime through boxing
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