Lombardt-Fire Truck operational, residents say otherwise

Sharlien Tjambari 

With the recent fire in Ongulumbashe informal settlement which burned down two shacks right opposite the Fire Brigade Department of Usakos, residents feel that the department is just a white elephant.

The Fire Station was completed towards the end of 2015 and is situated in the Hakhaseb location just opposite Ongulumbashe informal settlement. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Usakos Town Council Ivin Lombardt, the building has been operationalised since construction was completed and the Council is working on the official inauguration of the building either by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development or his assignee or the Erongo Regional Governor or his assignee.
Inauguration of the building is not a prerequisite for the operationalisation of the building. Operations can be done from the building and the inauguration may take place after operationalisation of the building.
The residents of Usakos alleges that the Fire Brigade truck is not working, and they were apparently informed that the truck is broken. “Earlier this year, we were told that council will fix the truck in May 2018 but, we are still waiting”, said a lady who lives in the Ongulumbashe informal settlement while Lombardt said the fire truck is being used frequently for multiple disaster risk management purposes. “The truck, indeed, is operational but the mechanical part (firefighting pump) that facilitates supply and control of water for fighting fire is defective currently”.
He further said the pump of the Fire Truck was examined by the repairer (supplier), quotations have been obtained and is currently being worked on in Okahandja at a workshop. “It will be reinstalled as soon as it done and operations should normalise”, he added.
According to Lombardt, in the event where there is fire, the council staff members are allegedly mobilised and dispatched to any area where there is fire to fight fire with avail-able equipment, tools and machinery at disposal of the Council. “The Manager: Technical Services of the Council is the focal person whom any person in need of firefighting service may call. His mobile number is readily available to every person” Lombardt said.