BCC, Operation Florian scale up training partnership

OPERATION Florian, a United Kingdom-based non-governmental organisation specialising in strengthening emergency services in developing countries, will next month send a team to provide training and development to the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.

The City of Bulawayo and Operation Florian have enjoyed a strong and cordial relationship dating back to 2010. In the past, Operation Florian has donated items such as fire engines, an ambulance, and containers filled with various fire-fighting and rescue equipment to the Fire Brigade.

BCC Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, stated that Operation Florian will be sending an 18-member team from the UK.
“Operation Florian has expressed interest in offering training and development, focusing on various firefighting techniques for Bulawayo Fire Brigade personnel,” she said.

“An eighteen (18)-member delegation is expected to travel from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe. They will depart on 14 March 2025 and arrive in Bulawayo on 15 March. The training programme will last two weeks, with the team scheduled to leave on 29 March 2025.”

Mrs Zhou said the course will cover areas including vehicle and equipment maintenance and test recording, road traffic accident training, practical core firefighting skills, community fire safety, and a rope rescue training course, among others.
In addition, the team will bring eight students and will cover their airfares and accommodation costs, while BCC will be required to pay for their meals.

Mrs Zhou highlighted that the partnership between BCC and Operation Florian brings significant benefits to the council, and the Fire Brigade will gain immensely from the skills exchange programme.

The council has agreed to cover all costs and expenses related to the shipment of donated materials from Operation Florian, as well as expenses for the reception of the UK team, local tours, and the purchase of souvenirs for them.

Buildings such as the Tower Block and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) building in the city centre will be used for the training programme.