Nelson Mandela Bay – Reliable fire hydrants are among the most critical yet often overlooked components of a city’s emergency response infrastructure. When they fail or cannot be located quickly, the consequences can be devastating for communities, businesses and emergency responders alike.
Recognising the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber today launched an innovative Fire Hydrant Project that will improve the functionality, accessibility and monitoring of fire hydrants, while equipping unemployed young people with valuable technical skills and work experience.
The 12-month initiative, led by Supporting Fire Services and implemented through the Chamber’s Risk Management Desk, combines infrastructure maintenance, technology, youth employment and strategic partnerships to help build a safer and more resilient metro.
The project will initially be rolled out in Perseverance before expanding to Redhouse and Fairview, with the long-term objective of extending the initiative across the Chamber’s 11 geographical clusters to improve fire preparedness throughout Nelson Mandela Bay.
Seven young people employed through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme will receive specialised training before inspecting, testing and assessing fire hydrants using a digital application that geolocates each hydrant, records its condition and reports maintenance requirements in real time.
Participants will also repaint hydrants, clear surrounding vegetation and remove obstructions to ensure they remain visible and accessible during emergencies, while supporting community fire safety awareness campaigns.
Training will be provided by City Paint & Tool, Bay Fire Safety Solutions, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Emergency Services Department and Vanguard, equipping participants with the technical expertise, safety knowledge and practical skills required to implement the project in accordance with industry standards.
Speaking at the launch, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer Denise van Huyssteen said resilient communities depend on investing in the critical infrastructure that protects lives and livelihoods.
“Fire hydrants are an essential part of our metro’s emergency response capability, yet they often go unnoticed until disaster strikes. By proactively assessing, maintaining and digitally mapping this critical infrastructure, we are helping to ensure that emergency responders have every possible resource available when every second counts.”
Van Huyssteen said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations unite behind a common purpose.
“The Fire Hydrant Project is a powerful example of collaborative leadership in action. Business, government, emergency services, insurers and specialist partners have each brought unique expertise and resources to this initiative. Together, we are delivering practical solutions that strengthen public safety, improve disaster preparedness and build resilience across Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Welcoming the initiative, Eastern Cape Deputy Director of Fire and Rescue Services John Alexander said the project exemplifies the kind of partnership-driven approach required to strengthen disaster resilience and emergency preparedness across the province.
“Effective disaster risk management begins long before an emergency occurs. It requires proactive planning, well-maintained infrastructure and strong partnerships between government, business and civil society. This project brings these elements together in a practical way that will strengthen emergency response capability while helping to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.”
Alexander said the initiative also demonstrates how collaborative partnerships can create lasting value beyond disaster preparedness.
“This project not only improves the operational readiness of our emergency services, but also creates meaningful opportunities for young people to develop valuable technical skills while contributing to the safety of their communities. We commend all the partners involved for their shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Van Huyssteen said the initiative also reflects the Chamber’s commitment to creating opportunities that generate both social and economic value.
“Beyond improving critical infrastructure, this project is investing in young people by providing meaningful employment, accredited training and hands-on experience. It demonstrates that community resilience and economic inclusion can go hand in hand when partnerships are built around shared outcomes.”
The Fire Hydrant Project builds on the growing impact of the Chamber’s Risk Management Desk, which over the past year has implemented several collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks before they occur. These include placing nearly 50 unemployed young people in environmental programmes through the YES Programme; removing more than 20,000 bags of litter from stormwater systems, waterways and environmentally sensitive areas; delivering specialised electric vehicle fire response training to Nelson Mandela Bay Fire and Emergency Services officials; supporting alien invasive vegetation clearing to reduce wildfire risk; modernising municipal disaster preparedness and fire awareness material; launching the metro’s first MSME Risk and Resilience Programme; supporting water conservation initiatives in local schools; and partnering with business clusters to improve critical municipal infrastructure.
Van Huyssteen said the Risk Management Desk was founded on the principle that resilience is built through proactive collaboration rather than reactive intervention.
“Safer cities are not created after disasters occur; they are built through sustained partnerships, preventative action and a shared commitment to protecting communities. This project reflects what is possible when organisations move beyond identifying challenges and work together to deliver practical, measurable solutions that benefit the entire metro.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber acknowledged the invaluable contribution of all partners for their shared commitment to strengthening disaster resilience and creating a safer Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Risk Management Desk, which recently celebrated its one year anniversary, is supported by insurance companies Hollard and Santam.
