Govt hands over 35 fire-fighting trucks to RDCs

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT has handed over 35 state-of-the-art fire-fighting trucks to various Rural District Councils (RDCs) across the country, procured from Belarus in January 2022.

The handover ceremony took place at Kuwadzana Fire Station in Harare yesterday, and was officiated by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.

The RDCs that received the fire trucks include Manyame, Goromonzi, Mutoko, Murewa, Chikomba, Mazowe, Pfura, Chaminuka, Chegutu, Zvimba, Makonde, Umguza, Hwange, Binga, Kusile, Chiredzi, Bikita, Gutu, and Chivi.

Others are Makoni, Mutare, Chimanimani, Buhera, Zibagwe, Chirumanzu, Vungu, Runde, Beitbridge, Matobo, Umzingwane, Insiza, Ruwa Local Board, Gokwe Town and Chegutu.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Garwe said Government is committed to empowering communities through provision of essential equipment and services.

“As you may be aware, Government made a conscious decision to procure state-of-the-art fire-fighting equipment from the Republic of Belarus against the backdrop of escalating fire incidents in the country. Procurement of the equipment was made possible by the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement programme championed by His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa”.

Minister Garwe added that in recent years, relations between Zimbabwe and Belarus have improved considerably, highlighted by the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in January 2022.

These agreements focus on promoting and protecting investments, mutual recognition of educational qualifications, and co-operation in various sectors, including the supply of Belarusian tractors, grain harvesting equipment, and machinery for the timber industry.

Minister Garwe also pointed out that fire incidents have emerged as a major threat to people’s lives, livelihoods, and property, underscoring the urgent need for effective fire management and prevention strategies.

“Causes of these infernos vary, with some resulting from electrical faults; improper use and storage of LP Gas; negligence; veld fires; accidents and trafficking of inflammable and hazardous substances by trucks, among other causes,” he said.