Fire remain a major threat to Matatiele residents’ safety, with the local municipality listing them among the region’s most pressing challenges.
During his State of the Municipality Address, held at the Matatiele Town Hall, Executive Mayor Patrick M. Stuurman reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to improving emergency services. He announced the official handover of a new fire truck to strengthen firefighting capabilities in the area.
The Mayor acknowledged the persistent service delivery difficulties faced by government but emphasised that strides are being made to address them. “Despite the many obstacles we face, we remain committed to building a safer and more resilient Matatiele. This fire truck represents our ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of our communities,” said mayor Stuurman.
The newly handed-over fire truck is expected to improve emergency response times and bolster disaster management, especially in high-risk areas where fire outbreaks have caused significant damage in recent years.
Mayor Stuurman also stated the broader goal of ensuring that critical resources are distributed fairly and effectively, aligning with the municipality’s mission to provide quality services and safeguard residents.
