ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY UNVEILS HIGH-TECH FIRE VEHICLE TO ENHANCE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EThekwini Municipality’s unwavering commitment to saving lives and strengthening fire and rescue services took centre stage as Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba unveiled a R29 million state-of-the-art Aerial Ladder Platform fire vehicle.
This significant investment marks a major milestone in enhancing public safety and advancing the City’s emergency response capabilities.
The acquisition comes at a critical time as eThekwini continues to face increasingly complex fire and rescue incidents, particularly in densely populated areas and high-rise buildings.
The addition of this advanced firefighting unit reinforces the Municipality’s commitment to responsive service delivery, operational excellence, and community safety.
EThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni described the unveiling as a defining moment for the City and highlighted the importance of the investment in strengthening the Municipality’s emergency response capacity.
“Today’s unveiling is about reinforcing our promise to protect the people of eThekwini. This high-tech Aerial Ladder Platform equips our firefighters with the ability to reach further, respond faster, and save more lives, particularly in communities where the risks are greatest,” she said.
She added that the investment reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered and that every resident receives the protection they deserve.
Boasting an impressive 44-metre ladder reach and the ability to access buildings up to 14 storeys high, the advanced hydraulic platform significantly enhances the City’s firefighting and rescue capabilities.
The 35-tonne unit is engineered for rapid deployment, enabling faster and more effective interventions during fire and rescue emergencies.
The vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic platform, a secure rescue cage for evacuations, and a high-capacity water delivery system that allows firefighters to combat fires from elevated positions with precision.
Advanced stabilisation technology and specialised controls further ensure safe and efficient operations during high-risk incidents.
Deputy Mayor Myeni said the investment aligns with the Municipality’s broader vision of building a resilient, smart, and future-ready city.
“The safety of our residents remains our top priority. We will continue investing in modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and the development of our firefighters to ensure that we are always prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis,” she said.
The addition of this high-tech unit expands the Municipality’s specialised aerial firefighting fleet to four strategically positioned vehicles, ensuring balanced coverage across eThekwini.
This enhanced capacity will reduce response times, extend operational reach, and strengthen the City’s ability to respond decisively to complex emergencies.
The investment forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing programme to modernise its firefighting fleet and equip personnel with the tools, technology, and capabilities required to serve communities effectively.
This milestone reaffirms eThekwini Municipality’s commitment to saving lives, protecting property, and building safer, more resilient communities.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
