ALMOST a year after severe storms tore the roof off the Empangeni Fire Station, the building remains in a dire state of disrepair.

This is just one of many issues facing the City of uMhlathuze fire department, which is marred by manpower shortages, an ageing fleet and equipment, and dilapidated buildings. Non-functioning air-conditioning units also present unfavourable working conditions for the staff.

These escalating issues were made worse when Richards Bay Airport was on Friday downgraded from a category 5 to category 2 aerodrome amid safety concerns relating to poor fire services.

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