ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAYOR XABA TO UNVEIL HIGH-TECH FIRE VEHICLE TO BOOST EMERGENCY RESPONSE
As part of eThekwini Municipality's ongoing investment in public safety and emergency services, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba will today, 19 June, unveil an Aerial Ladder Platform fire vehicle designed to strengthen the City's firefighting and rescue capabilities.
The acquisition marks a significant step in modernising emergency response operations and enhancing the Municipality's ability to respond effectively to incidents in high-rise buildings and other challenging environments.
Boasting an impressive 44-metre ladder reach and the capability to access buildings up to 14 storeys high, the advanced hydraulic platform will significantly improve firefighting, rescue and evacuation operations.
The 35 000kg vehicle is engineered for rapid deployment, enabling quicker, safer and more efficient emergency interventions.
The addition of this specialised vehicle expands the City's aerial firefighting fleet to four strategically positioned units serving the North, South, Central and West regions.
This enhanced capacity will improve operational readiness, reduce response times and strengthen service delivery across eThekwini.
The investment reflects the Municipality's continued commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding property and equipping emergency personnel with modern tools to meet the growing demands of an urban environment.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event.
Details are as follows:
Date: Friday, 19 June 2026
Time: 12:00
Venue: Central Fire Station Headquarters, 15/18 ML Sultan Avenue, adjacent to St Aidan's Hospital
RSVP: Mluleki.Mntungwa@durban.gov.za
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
