When the Makana Fire and Rescue Services in Grahamstown was caught unawares earlier this year while an inferno engulfed a building just a block away from its offices, scepticism about its efficiency and effectiveness arose. With the upcoming National Arts Festival expected to draw about 750 000 visitors, the compelling question is whether the emergency services in general will be ready to respond when needed.
Makana Fire and Rescue Services will be gearing up for the 10-day event by carrying out safety inspections on a total of 30 venues including those that will hold large crowds of people at a time, as well as inspecting stalls that use devices that could pose a threat to safety, such as gas stoves used in food stalls.
Fires and other emergency situations are rarely reported during this period, however senior fire fighter Wayne Lisher says that anything can happen. Hence inspections are done before, during and after the festival.
Although the incident at the beginning of the year was an indication of a lack of resources to respond promptly to emergencies, Station Commander Mervin Sauls conceded that the fact that they operate within a 50km radius means that there could be a time delay if more than one incident occurs.
“Staff members that are not on duty are expected to be ready to be called for duty any time.”
The Grahamstown police service is also preparing for the festival. A total of 214 police officers from surrounding towns including Port Elizabeth are expected to join the Grahamstown police service. These will include those specialised in certain areas such as the air wing, mounted and dog unit, and visible police will be on alert 24 hours during this period — patrolling and manning the mobile reporting points which will be situated at the Village Green, Church Square and the monument.
Inspector Milanda Coetzer of the police service said they will be working hand in hand with other emergency services including Hi-Tech security, a local private security company.
“We have also been carrying out awareness campaigns through the media, radio and providing pamphlets. People need to be alert at all times and take all kinds of precautionary measures at this time.”
Hi-Tech’s Gavin Stobbs, guard manager, says that his company is also increasing its security staff by about 25% in light of the crime. “There are crime syndicates that come especially for the festival and we are aware of these and we have identified this as a problem and are ready to address it.”
According to most business people, crime is rare during the festival and the emergency services are always within reach. The most common problem identified is pick-pocketing, however the possibilities of any other criminal activity occurring cannot be ruled out.