North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs encourages communities to take fire safety and prevention seriously

North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is encouraging communities across the province to learn more about fire prevention and safety practices to avert property destruction and loss of life. 

This comes as the global community will be commemorating the the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) this Sunday, 13 October 2024. IDDR is aimed at preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk and a clarion call is made for countries to harness the education sector to reduce the disaster risks of school-aged children.

The theme for this year is “The role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future” and it highlights the transformative power of education in building resilient societies. The IDDR was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 as part of its recognition of the importance of reducing the risks and impacts of natural disasters

MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi calls all members of the society to take fire safety and prevention campaigns seriously, as they can save their valuable properties and lives of their loved ones.  

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can prevent fires, save lives, and protect property.  We are encouraging municipalities in the province to host fire safety awareness campaigns through education and engagement with communities to promote fire safety awareness.   The department through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to educate communities, especially the youth about preventative measures for different types of disasters”, he said.  

He said the PDMC has been embarking on a series of engagements with all municipalities across the province to ensure the implementation of the fire safety and prevention strategy in their areas.

Meanwhile, 06-12 October 2024 has officially been declared International Fire Safety and Prevention Week. International Fire Safety and Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of fire safety practices, while encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of fires and protect lives, 

MEC Molapisi salutes firefighters in fire stations across the province, who are at the forefront of fire prevention and emergency response as they protect lives and property, often in dangerous and challenging conditions.

Enquiries:
Lerato Gambu 
Cell: 076 322 1165
E-mail – lgambu@nwpg.gov.za

Dineo Thapelo
Cell: 072 218 2559
E-mail: dthapelo@nwpg.gov.za