Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A total of 30 recruits from the country’s southern region have begun firefighting and rescue training with the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services Unit, part of a program designed to enhance the region’s firefighting capabilities.
Bulawayo chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo announced that the training began on Monday last week, with each local authority contributing six recruits.
“We were tasked by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to train firefighters within the southern region of Zimbabwe, starting from Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Kusile, Insiza, Bulilima, and Binga,” Mr Moyo stated. He mentioned that interviews were conducted for five Rural District Councils (RDCs) prior to beginning this first batch of training.
The City of Bulawayo is providing technical expertise to these rural local authorities, which in the past had to rely on the City for emergency services, sometimes traveling over 100 kilometers.
This initiative aims to equip RDCs with experienced firefighters to improve disaster management across the country, complemented by the Government’s procurement of new fire tenders for deployment at RDCs.
Mr Moyo emphasised the importance of bolstering firefighting capabilities, especially as wildfires and emergencies are on the rise. The training will cover a comprehensive range of skills, from fire suppression techniques to emergency medical response, ensuring that new firefighters are adequately prepared to assist in various situations.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has launched several firefighting training programs, including the “Fire-Fighting Training of Trainers (ToT)” initiative, targeting fire brigades nationwide. Additionally, last month, a team from Operation Florian, a UK-based firefighting charity, provided training to Bulawayo Fire Brigade personnel, further enhancing the region’s capacity.
Since its inception in 2011, over 800 firefighters have been trained through this program, attracting participants from neighboring countries like Zambia and Botswana. The collaboration between the City of Bulawayo and Operation Florian demonstrates the potential for international partnerships to foster sustainable development, sharing expertise and resources for improved emergency management services.
The long-term benefits of the program include an increasing number of skilled firefighters and enhanced emergency response services in Bulawayo, contributing to the overall safety of residents in the region.
