Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade has raised serious concerns about vandalism of fire hydrants, especially those located in the western suburbs where culprits target lids and poles, which they allegedly sell to iron smelting companies.
A fire hydrant is an above-ground or underground connection point that allows firefighters to access a municipal water supply to combat fires. They are a critical component of a community’s fire protection system and provide a reliable, high-pressure water source during emergencies.
A fire engine typically carries a limited amount of water, and hydrants supply the continuous, high-volume flow needed to combat larger fires, which can save lives and minimise property damage.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said the Brigade has a routine exercise for hydrant inspection within the City that is done yearly.
“However, we have a serious challenge that we face, especially in the western suburbs, that is vandalism of hydrants where the culprits target lids and poles which we understand have a ready market from iron smelting companies,” said Mr Moyo.
Mr Moyo said a fire hydrant is essential to their operations by providing a reliable source of water, thereby enabling continuous and effective fire operations and improving firefighter safety. “It provides quick access in providing large volumes of water and also improves tactical options in firefighting, such as an offensive or defensive approach,” said Mr Moyo.
Following a veld fire outbreak that threatened to destroy buildings and other properties at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) on Sunday, Mr Moyo revealed that the institution has fire hydrants located strategically within the complex with most of the hydrants working properly, save for two that have low pressure.
Bongani Ndlovu