By John Ekongo
WINDHOEK
The City of Windhoek Emergency Management Unit has added a high-tech fire-fighting and rescue engine to its ailing fleet.
This comes against the background of the city’s rapid growth and expansion, compounded by a high migration of people from rural areas to urban centres, which have placed significant pressure on the provision of services to the capital city’s residents.
At a ceremony to commission the N$2,5-million vehicle, Windhoek’s Deputy Mayor Agnes Kafula said the council’s decision to acquire the vehicle was “a clear demonstration that as a council, we are committed to the protection of our people’s lives and their properties”.
Kafula also said this was all done in an effort to enhance the efficiency and the effectiveness of the Emergency Services Department when responding to emergency situations within the perimeters of Windhoek and outlying areas.
The vehicle was designed by Fire Raiders Incorporated, a South African fire-fighting and manufacturer company whose headquarters are in Los Angeles, California, the United States of America. And the original vehicle was purchased from M&Z Commercial vehicles. It was then mounted with specialised equipment.
The vehicle is designed for multi-purpose action, meaning that it doubles up as a fire fighting as well as a fully equipped rescue vehicle.
The vehicle, a Mercedes Benz ATEGO 1528 Heavy Duty Rear Mount Rescue Pumper, contains all the amenities of a modern fire fighting fleet and equipment.