PRESS RELEASE 8 April 2005

CITY ANNOUNCES NEW R8,2M FIRE STATION FOR HOUT BAY

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The City of Cape Town has commenced building operations on the new Hout Bay Fire Station, which will cost approximately R8,2 million. This brings the number of fires stations servicing the unicity to 28.

The primary function of this station, which is due for completion in about nine months, will be to provide a much-needed service to the community of Hout Bay. Its secondary function will be to assist fire fighters in surrounding areas, such the Atlantic Sea Board, including Llandudno and Chapman’s Peak, as well as Constantia Nek.

According to the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, Councillor David Erleigh, this fire station is necessary because Hout Bay is the least protected area in the Western Cape. This is according to a fire risk assessment study undertaken by the Fire Service of the unicity and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

He added, “The new fire station will enable us to provide the most effective and equitable response to emergencies in this area. The site at the Hout Bay Road and Drainage Station in Main Road, Hout Bay was identified because it could be shared with the Hout Bay SAPS and because it was council property.

“For the community this means that risk and loss of life and property will be minimised due to our round the clock presence, ability to respond much more quickly to emergencies than in the past and our close proximity to the residents of the area served by this fire station.

“It will also alleviate pressure on the Constantia Fire Station during major events, such as the Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon, which run through this area. In the past, fire fighters have had great difficulty getting to runners and cyclists in need of emergency treatment, due to congestion.”

He added, “For many years the Forestry Department’s fire engines have had to come to the rescue in this area. Now the Hout Bay Fire Station will take the pressure off them. We thank them for their valued service over the years. With the advent of the new fire station, the City’s fire fighters will no longer have to haul heavy equipment over Constantia Nek and our service delivery will be stepped up substantially. “

The fire station, which will house 30 staff, including 24 fire fighters, will have a water tanker, a major pumper and a rescue vehicle. The ground floor will house the fire engines, administration and an area for the rescue response unit to treat people until an ambulance can collect them. The first floor has been allocated to accommodation for the fire fighters as it will be a 24 hour response station.

CITY ANNOUNCES NEW R8,2M FIRE STATION FOR HOUT BAY

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The principal architects are Cityscape and the construction team are Inyanga Projects cc.

Councillor Erleigh, who presided over the soil turning ceremony, handed the City’s retiring Chief Fire Officer, Donald Sparks, the spade in recognition of his valued service to Cape Town. He paid tribute to a man who has been involved in fire service in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth since August 1964. Sparks, who has a masters degree with distinction and is a fellow of the SA Emergencies Institute, will put his 41 years’ experience to work on the history of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth fire services in his private capacity. He will also engage in fire consulting, mission work and fundraising for disadvantaged communities. In his spare time he will cycle, jog and enjoy the outdoors.

He was appointed Fire Chief of the Unicity on 1 April 2002.

ENDS

Issued by Rosemary Hare Public Relations cc in joint venture with Lukholo Training and Development Services

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MILL STREET

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On behalf of The City of Cape Town

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