Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
AS Zimbabwe reflects on the bravery displayed during the Budiriro rescue operation, attention is increasingly turning to the coordination role played by Convergence Community Emergency Response Team (ConCERT) founder Mr Webster Jaricha, who mobilised specialist rescuers and worked throughout the night to support the mission.
The Budiriro tragedy, which claimed three lives after victims became trapped in a mud-filled excavation at a sewer rehabilitation site, saw emergency responders from various organisations combine efforts in a complex rescue and recovery operation.
While veteran sub-aqua rescuer Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe has received widespread recognition for his courageous efforts at the scene, Mr Jaricha has also emerged as a key figure behind the operation after it was revealed that he personally facilitated the deployment of the experienced diver and coordinated volunteer response efforts.
Speaking during a post-incident interview today on STAR FM, Mr Jaricha explained that effective emergency management begins with assessing the nature of the emergency and identifying the resources required.
“The first responsibility of an emergency response team is to assess the safety of the scene and determine what resources are needed,” he said.
“When different emergency stakeholders work together and consolidate their efforts, there is a better opportunity to achieve a positive outcome.”
Mr Jaricha, who founded ConCERT to strengthen community emergency preparedness and response, said he immediately recognised that the Budiriro incident required specialised aquatic rescue expertise.
Recalling the events of the night, he said Coach Rambo was the first person who came to mind because of his experience in difficult rescue operations.
“I knew this was a situation involving an aquatic environment and the best person I know is a swimming coach, a lifeguard and a rescuer. Coach Rambo is also someone I have worked with before,” said Mr Jaricha.
“I requested permission to engage additional expertise and was advised to pull together any resources that could assist the operation. I then contacted Coach Rambo because I knew he was the right man for the task.”
According to Mr Jaricha, the operation involved multiple stakeholders, including the City of Harare Fire Brigade, ambulance services, community members and volunteer responders.
He remained on site coordinating the response from late evening until the early hours of the following morning as rescue teams battled difficult conditions.
Witnesses said Mr Jaricha returned to the scene the next day and continued assisting throughout the recovery effort.
The Budiriro operation has highlighted the growing role being played by volunteer emergency response organisations in complementing the work of local authorities and emergency services.
Through ConCERT, Mr Jaricha has been involved in emergency preparedness programmes, first aid training and rescue support initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience during disasters and emergencies.
Emergency management practitioners say successful rescue operations depend not only on frontline rescuers but also on effective planning, communication and resource mobilisation behind the scenes.
Mr Jaricha paid tribute to all organisations and individuals who participated in the Budiriro operation.
“This was a team effort. Every stakeholder who was present contributed something important towards the response. We all fought a good fight and did everything possible under very difficult circumstances,” he said.
