Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S growing reputation as a centre of excellence in firefighting and emergency response services has received fresh regional recognition, with Botswana’s City of Francistown seeking technical assistance to assess and strengthen its firefighting facilities and operational preparedness.
The request reinforces the growing regional influence of Bulawayo’s fire safety management capabilities, with the city increasingly emerging as a hub for technical expertise, capacity building and best practices in emergency response.
Beyond its borders, Bulawayo has already established itself as a training centre, equipping firefighters from Rural District Councils (RDCs), local authorities and organisations, including private sector companies, further cementing its role in strengthening fire safety capacity.
According to the latest council report, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube told councillors on 16 July that the local authority had received correspondence from the City of Francistown Council requesting technical support.
In the letter, the Botswana local authority acknowledged Bulawayo’s expertise in fire safety management and requested assistance in assessing its firefighting infrastructure and operational readiness.
“The City of Francistown Council Fire and Emergency Services Department presents this formal request to the Bulawayo City Council and respectfully appeal for technical assistance in conducting an assessment of firefighting facilities,” reads the report.
“As part of our continuous effort to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of fire emergency preparedness and response services, we seek to benchmark our infrastructure and operational readiness against recognised best practices.
“We highly regard the expertise of Bulawayo City Council in the fire safety management and believe that your assessment will provide recommendations for strengthening our fire emergency preparedness and response capabilities,” reads part of the correspondence.
Francistown said the proposed assessment would focus on key operational areas, including firefighting equipment, facilities and maintenance systems.
“The proposed assessment would include: fire appliances and operational equipment, firefighting facilities and operational readiness, maintenance practices and any other matters that may enhance service delivery.
“We look forward to your favourable response and to strengthening the cooperation of our two councils in the promotion of public fire safety in our communities,” reads the report.
Council said the proposed visit by Bulawayo chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, would provide an opportunity to deepen technical cooperation and knowledge sharing between the two cities while strengthening regional collaboration in emergency preparedness and response.
derick.khumalo