Pietermaritzburg – It is with deep concern that we have learned about the devastating fire that occurred in the early hours of Friday, which engulfed the Tusong Service Center of Ndwedwe Local Municipality located in Bhamshela.
The fire has caused significant damage to the structure, affecting various government departments that operate from the center. As the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we are troubled by this incident as the Tusong Center plays a crucial role in service delivery to our communities.
The Tusong Centers are vital one-stop shops for government services, encompassing departments such as Home Affairs, Social Development, Health, South African Police Services, and Local Municipality services. These centers serve as essential hubs for our citizens, providing them with access to a range of services necessary for their daily lives.
The destruction caused by the fire is undoubtedly a setback for the community of Bhamshela and surrounding areas, and it is imperative that we act swiftly to address this matter. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, we urge a comprehensive investigation to be conducted to establish the root cause.
It is essential that we uncover what led to this tragic incident to prevent such occurrences in the future. We urge all relevant organs of state to work diligently to identify any potential negligence, sabotage or misconduct that may have contributed to the fire. In light of this unfortunate event, we call upon all relevant sector departments to collaborate and find interim arrangements. We
must ensure that the affected communities can continue to receive the services they depend on from the Tusong Center.
It is our responsibility to alleviate any inconvenience caused by this incident and prioritize the uninterrupted provision of essential services to our citizens. We commend the swift response of the fire departments, whose courage and dedication prevented the total collapse of the building.
Their heroic efforts are greatly appreciated, and we extend gratitude to the firefighters who risked their lives to contain the fire.
Additionally, we would like to express gratitude to the nearby
municipalities of KwaDukuza Local and Umgungundlovu District for their assistance in extinguishing the fire.
Their support exemplifies the spirit of cooperation among our municipalities and unity that is necessary during times of crisis.
Incidents of this nature deeply concern us, as they have the potential to disrupt service delivery and negatively impact the lives of our citizens.
Therefore, we urge all departments involved to swiftly identify and implement interim solutions to ensure that the services provided by the Tusong Center are not compromised.
The well-being and satisfaction of our citizens remain our utmost priority, and we will work tirelessly to restore the Tusong Center to its full functionality.
Ends
Issued by MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs