Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza,[email protected]
A TEAM from Operation Florian, a UK-based fire-fighting charity, arrived in Bulawayo yesterday and will train Bulawayo Fire Brigade personnel as part of a capacity building exercise.
The team landed at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Monday and was welcomed by the Fire Brigade chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo.
The City of Bulawayo and Operation have a long running partnership that aims to establish a collaboration that benefits both parties in terms of fire-fighting expertise and future relationships.
The City of Bulawayo has in the past received an ambulance, fire engines and specialised equipment from Operation Florian as part of the partnership.
Since its establishment in 2011, the training programme has already trained over 800 fire-fighters, attracting participants from neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Botswana.
The programme has, thus, become a cornerstone of sustainable development in the region, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The partnership between Operation Florian and the City of Bulawayo exemplifies the potential for international collaboration to foster sustainable development.
By sharing expertise and resources, both parties have gained valuable insights and improved their firefighting capabilities.
The long-term impact of the programme is evident in the growing number of competent fire-fighters and the improved emergency management services in Bulawayo.
“Operation Florian has capacitated the City of Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services in terms of technical and material resources,” said Mr Moyo.
“At one point we had two fire engines that were meant to guard against properties and during that period we were found wanting in terms of dealing with emergency calls and rescue missions.
“Now the Fire Brigade boasts state of the art fire-fighting equipment, which is also used in developed countries. The fire department also boasts of tablets that we use on GIS system for navigation on fire calls and easy identification of fire hydrants,” said Mr Moyo.
“The Operation Florian team consists of 18 trainers and six students. This year we have twenty local authorities taking part starting including Harare, Chegutu, Kariba, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Beitbridge, Gwanda, Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Chitungwiza, Mutare and Masvingo among others.”
The visiting team will trains firefighters in the following courses, senior officers, junior officers, breathing apparatus, road traffic collusion, fire officer practical core skill, technical fire safety, rope rescue, emergency driver familiarisation and first aid.
“Operation Florian has so far assisted Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services with 16 fire engines and one ambulance supported by four other fire engines from Belarus making the City of Bulawayo safe in terms of fire safety,” said Mr Moyo.
