Fuel shortage could threaten service delivery

Lives and properties of Ekurhuleni residents are in danger following another fuel shortage in several of the municipality's deports.

Ambulances, metro police vehicles, fire engine and waste removal trucks have been grounded in most parts of the metro as fuel pumps in Edenvale, Bedfordview and Germiston depots started running dry yesterday.

Municipal spokesman Themba Radebe admitted that there was a problem but blamed suppliers.

Last month, the municipality had another fuel shortage because of an unpaid multimillion rand fuel bill, which affected operations.

A portion of the R15-million bill, which the municipality refused to comment on, was paid later, ending a three-week fuel crisis.

The crisis began after the metro failed to pay its various suppliers. A Boksburg firefighter told The Times the problem had lasted for almost three weeks.

"It was so bad... We were filling up to 50 traffic police vehicles every three days," he said.

Radebe declined to comment on the amount owed.

He insisted residents' lives and property were not put at risk. "Service delivery was not affected. The matter was addressed with the service provider and resolved before it could have dire consequences."

Radebe said the delay in paying the service provider on time was as a result of "the City closing its books for the end of the 2013-2014 financial year".

DA councillor Bill Rundle said: "The metro is still battling to secure enough fuel. It is affecting rubbish collection, law enforcement agencies and emergency vehicles."