15 May 2016

The Jwaneng Town Council has increased its fleet by acquiring a P4.8 million fire engine.The fire engine was purchased from the United States through a local company, Marce Botswana.

Speaking during the official handover, Marce Botswana managing director Mr Peter Mbatha acknowledged that the purchasing process was characterised by challenges, especially that the fire engine was manufactured and assembled in the US. He said even though they were expected to deliver in August last year, they had to request for time extension due to various challenges such as changes in exchange rates and climatic conditions.

However, Mr Mbatha thanked the council for having given his company the opportunity to partner with them. He assured them that the fire engine was of excellent quality, just like the previous ones his company supplied to other institutions.

Jwaneng mayor, Mr Tsietsi Oodira-Kwenje, said the council was committed to ensuring safety in their surroundings in line with Vision 2016’s pillar of a safe and secure nation. He said since the town was situated along the Trans-Kalahari highway, they had to ensure the safety of the road users and their property as well as the residents.

“As you are aware our fire brigade is the only one serving the western part of the country and even though this is a mammoth task we have to rise to the occasion and respond to situations that compromise the safety of the people,” he said.He urged the operators of the fire engine to be cautious and take proper care of it to ensure longevity. 

The council’s chief civil and mechanical engineering officer, Mr Motlagae Batlhotlhe said the fire engine came at the right time when the council was struggling with two old fire engines, bought in 1995 and 1999 respectively.  He said apart from the fact that their area of coverage was vast; the old fire engines were unrealiable, currently with one in need of an engine overhaul and another having to go for penal beating. 

He said even though there was a delay in the delivery of the machine, they had to agree with the extension to give the supplier the required time. He noted that the pre-delivery inspection only took place in November last year, after which final preparations for transportation took place.  ENDS