Miner Glencore Coal, in partnership with the eMalahleni local municipality, has handed over a new, fully-equipped fire station in Ferrobank, Kwa-Guqa.

The about R18.6-million project was initiated in response to the growing need for dedicated emergency response infrastructure in Kwa-Guqa and surrounding communities.

The new facility aims to support the municipality’s efforts to respond more effectively to household and community fires, veld fires and other emergencies.

The fire station is well equipped with a main fire house, a wash bay, a drill tower, a generator room, compressor and equipment storeroom, as well as parking facilities.

The facility has been designed to meet the operational requirements of a modern emergency response station and will be integrated into the municipality’s existing emergency services infrastructure.

It is also fully paved and securely fenced.

“When we broke ground on this project in 2024, we spoke about the importance of having emergency services closer to the community, enabling faster response times and helping to save lives.

“Today, that vision has become a reality. We know the devastating impact that uncontrolled fires can have on lives, homes, businesses and the environment, and having emergency services closer to the community can help reduce response times and minimise that impact.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the eMalahleni local municipality and our stakeholders to deliver infrastructure that addresses a critical community need and will provide a lasting benefit to the community,” says Glencore Coal community and regulatory affairs GM Noel Pillay.

The project appointed a local contractor, Ruby’s & Olwethu Projects, from within the eMalahleni local municipality.

“I would like to thank Glencore for giving us the opportunity and believing in us to make this project work. I am proud of how we worked hand in hand to overcome the challenges and bring the project to completion,” says Ruby’s & Olwethu Projects CEO Samuel Maswanganne.

The project also created employment for 28 community members, comprising eight women and 20 men, including nine youth.

“Our firefighters put their lives at risk every day, running towards danger when others are running away, to save lives, protect homes and keep our communities safe. This facility gives them the support and infrastructure they need to carry out that vital work, and we are deeply grateful for their courage, dedication and service.

“It is also a commitment to ensuring that every member of our community can access essential emergency services when they need them most,” says eMalahleni local municipality acting executive mayor Thembi Tshabalala.