The recent budget approved by the Langeberg Municipality notes that R14 858 912 has been budgeted for a new fire-station building for Robertson.
This is currently under construction in Church Street, next to the Callie de Wet Sports Grounds.
“Construction commenced on 5 April and has already made commendable progress,” explained Daniël Lubbe. Langeberg’s Municipal Manager. “The development comes at a cost of R17 million, reflecting a significant investment in the safety and well-being of the local community and visitors alike. Contrary to popular belief, this is Langeberg’s first fire station in Robertson. Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), however, does have premises in Robertson with firefighting vehicles that are primarily used for their firefighting functions like mountain and bush fires, to name a few.”
He added the decision to build a fire station in Robertson was fuelled by the need to protect the community.
“The decision to build the fire station was driven by the to protect lives, property, and infrastructure and to adhere to the requirements as set forth by the legislation. The increase in population growth has also created a higher demand for fire services to respond as quickly as possible.”
The new fire station will be a two-storey building and will have a reception lobby, administration offices, a boardroom, a lecture room, a gymnasium, sleeping quarters, a watch room, ablution facilities, kitchen facilities, a wash bay and storage rooms, and it will have space for six fire engines.
The Langeberg area currently has one fire station situated in Ashton that services all five towns and surrounding farms.
Said Lubbe: “Where it would normally take between 10 and 35 minutes to respond to fire calls in Robertson and its surrounding areas it will now take approximately 4 to 5 minutes once the new fire station is complete.
“This will help to mitigate the negative impact of fires on communities in the Langeberg area. especially the previously disadvantaged.”
Furthermore, he said, the municipality received a lot of comment indicating the urgency of a fire station in Robertson through the integrated development planning (IDP) platforms.
“The construction of the fire station is a significant step towards improving the emergency-response capabilities of the firefighting team. With its strategic location and comprehensive facilities, the station will enable firefighters to respond swiftly and effectively to fire and other life threatening emergencies, minimising property damage en ensuring the saving of lives.”
The fire station is set to be completed in December.
