EC municipalities lack firefighting equipment

EAST LONDON - Gale-force winds that ripped through the Eastern Cape would have been more catastrophic if they'd whipped up raging fires.

These concerns come after revelations that municipal firefighting departments are severely under-resourced.

The Democratic Alliance says only 62 of the province's 110 fire trucks are operational.

The Eastern Cape is believed to require well over 200 fire trucks to function effectively.

READ: Eastern Cape floods | Residents endure sewage spills, power cuts

The lack of fire trucks could be due to the mismanagement of funds in many municipalities.

The shortfalls of the municipality have resulted in volunteers taking matters into their own hands.

Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams also says the onus should be on municipalities to budget properly so that they ensure that their key assets are prioritised.

* eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.