MSUAS signs MOA with Mutare City Council

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

MANICALAND State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Mutare City Council, marking a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to promote disaster risk management and civil protection in the province.

The partnership will see the establishment of the Institute of Civil Protection, a pioneering centre of excellence that will equip communities, institutions, and Government agencies with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to prevent, mitigate, and respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters.

In an interview, MSUAS Vice-chancellor, Professor Albert Chawanda said the Institute of Civil Protection aligns seamlessly with the university’s broader academic and developmental goals.

“The institute embodies our commitment to translating knowledge into practical solutions that enhance disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response capabilities. The partnership with Mutare City Council will enhance the institute’s capacity to address disaster risk management and civil protection issues in Manicaland and beyond,” he said.

He said City of Mutare brings on board invaluable practical experience, institutional knowledge, and proximity to grassroots challenges in disaster preparedness and response.

“This partnership will enable us to co-design training programmes, pilot innovative solutions, and influence policy discussions that promote community resilience and disaster preparedness,” he said.

Professor Chawanda said the institute will also collaborate with Government agencies, development partners, and international partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience in the province.

“We envision a multi-level collaboration that will enable us to generate context-specific research, inform policy discussions, and implement grassroots resilience-building programmes,” said Professor Chawanda.

The institute is expected to be operational in the second half of this year.

Professor Chawanda said through the partnership, MSUAS and Mutare City Council aim to position Manicaland as a leader in building community resilience and disaster preparedness nationwide.

“The Institute of Civil Protection represents a forward-looking investment in the safety, sustainability, and resilience of our nation, and is a proud example of academia directly shaping the public good,” he said.

As he signed the agreement on behalf of the city, Mutare City Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka expressed excitement about the partnership.

“We are thrilled to partner with MSUAS in establishing the Institute of Civil Protection. This collaboration will, not only enhance our capacity to respond to disasters, but also contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can safeguard lives, property, and sustainable development gains,” he said.

The Institute of Civil Protection will offer a range of programmes, including a Certificate in Fire Sciences and Civil Protection, which is designed to equip learners with foundational competencies in fire science, rescue operations, and emergency response protocols.

Director for Economic Development in the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya said the programme will help address a critical skills gap in Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management landscape, enabling local authorities to effectively respond to emergencies and protect their communities.