Western Cape MEC said that firefighters regularly risk their lives while protecting communities and deserve access to reliable equipment. The funding, provided through the Municipal Fire Services Capacity Grant, administered by the Western Cape department of local government, will benefit the Witzenberg and Swartland municipalities. “Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of disasters, while rapid-urban growth is placing additional pressure on municipal emergency services. Investing in our firefighters is therefore an investment in the safety and resilience of every community in the Western Cape,” Bredell said. The Municipal Fire Services Capacity Grant forms part of the Western Cape government’s broader efforts to improve municipal-disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity across the province.