Fourways Residents raise awareness about public fire hydrants

Unlike awareness created about Joburg Water meters or City Power meters, municipal fire hydrants are not given the same attention.

In theory, every 200m or so, on every street should have a functional and accessible Joburg Water fire hydrant that can be used in case of emergencies.Ward 132 residents are creating awareness about the importance of municipal fire hydrants in their streets.

Resident David Steenkamp is one of these people. Steenkamp said, “Fire hydrants are very important and people must be made aware that hydrants are our safety nets. Members of the community must do callouts to the city for maintenance, at least once a year.”In every neighbourhood, residents should see either a yellow-painted cement pillar in line with a hydrant or a reflective sign on the road surface next to the barrier line. Both have a yellow sign on the side of the pavement to indicate a nearby fire hydrant.

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, who also contributed to the education of community members about fire hydrants, said, “Residents should be able to identify fire hydrants within their wards. There are two types of fire hydrants. The common one is the yellow and red post above ground, and the other one is the underground fire hydrant, which is sometimes obstructed by vegetation, paving or rubble.”

Community members are encouraged to report any obstruction of fire hydrants to Joburg Water. Nombuso Shabalala of Joburg Water says “Maintenance crews look out for problematic hydrants. Municipality maintenance crews also randomly test hydrants as part of preventative maintenance. The fire department also conducts checks on core/critical hydrants, and reports these to the depot for maintenance attention.”

Details: Joburg Water on 011 688 1400 or SMS 045 201.

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