Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade has since the beginning of the year trained 251 fire fighters from Rural District Councils (RDCs), local municipalities and other organisations that include companies in the private sector, cementing its place as a centre of excellence in fire-fighting.
Bulawayo City Council Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, told Sunday News that some of the organisations whose firefighters were trained by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade include Masvingo City Council, Unki Mine, Lupane State University (LSU), Freda Rebecca Mine, National Foods and Mimosa Mine.
“We have also applied to establish an ambulance training school and we are at an advanced stage of final inspection by the Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe. We hope to open the training school next year,” she said.
Mrs Zhou said nurses from Mpilo Central Hospital were attached to the council’s ambulance section as part of their training.
“It is also an honour that the Ministry (Local Government and Public Works) is recognising our competence hence is tasking us to train fire fighters from the country’s southern region,” said Mrs Zhou.
Last month, 35 fire fighters from Tsholotsho, Binga, Insiza, Hwange, Matobo and Kusile Rural District Councils, graduated at the Famona Fire Station after being trained by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
“The aim of training the 35 fire fighters from the six Rural District Councils was to reduce response times of accidents and emergencies while equipping and capacitating the same RDCs to deal with any emergencies within their jurisdiction,” said Mrs Zhou.
In the past, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade used to respond to emergencies in areas under the RDCs, which was very expensive.
Bulawayo has four fire stations namely Famona, which is the headquarters, Mpopoma, Tshabalala and North End. The fire stations are strategically positioned to enable the Fire Brigade to quickly respond to distress calls. However, due to the rapid expansion of the city, there is urgent need to establish another fire station in Cowdray Park suburb.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade said it will intensify its awareness programmes in schools and communities on the dangers of crossing flooded rivers and streams as the rainy season approaches.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the country is expected to receive normal to above normal rains.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said the city’s emergency services will target communities and schools in flood prone areas.
“The awareness campaigns are meant to educate parents and school children about the dangers of crossing flooded rivers and streams,” said Mr Moyo.
