Mashudu Netsianda recently in Binga
BINGA Rural District Council (RDC) has taken delivery of its first-ever fire tender acquired by the Government from Belarus using devolution funds, marking a major boost to the district’s emergency preparedness and disaster response capacity.
The fire tender is part of the 141 firefighting trucks firefighting by the Government and distributed to local authorities countrywide, a development that underlines the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development and decentralisation of critical public services.
For years, rural districts such as Binga relied on distant urban centres for fire-fighting services, often resulting in delayed responses and extensive damage.
The acquisition of the fire tender now enables the local authority to respond swiftly and independently to fire outbreaks, accidents and other emergencies.
In an interview, Binga RDC’s chief executive officer, Mr Joshua Muzamba, expressed gratitude to the Government, saying the new equipment will significantly enhance the district’s disaster risk management programmes.
“We are very grateful to the Government for supporting us to acquire a fire tender in Binga. It is going to help us in our fire suppression programmes as well as risk mitigation programmes.
“Recently, we had a fire incident at our district hospital and the fire tender came in handy,” he said.
Mr Muzamba said the delivery of the fire tender is expected to significantly reduce response times, save lives and protect property in one of the country’s most remote districts.
“Fire is a potential hazard in any locality, and fire-fighting is therefore a critical component of disaster risk management,” he said.
Mr Muzamba said the council has already employed a team of six firefighters who underw1ent a six-month intensive training programme in Bulawayo.
The firefighters were part of a group of 26 young men and nine women drawn from Tsholotsho, Hwange, Binga, Matobo, Insiza and Kusile local authorities, trained by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, which has earned national recognition as a centre of excellence in firefighting and emergency response.
Private companies, rural district councils and municipalities regularly send personnel for training at the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
This is the first time under the Second Republic that RDCs have been capacitated with fire tenders, enabling them to manage fire outbreaks and emergencies without relying on urban councils.
“We now have a team of six young men and women trained by the Bulawayo City Council who are well-equipped to handle fire incidents.
“In the past, for instance, if we had a major bus accident, we had to wait for a fire tender from Hwange or Victoria Falls,” said Mr Muzamba.
“Now we can respond from here, covering areas as far as Kamativi and Siabuwa.
“This asset will greatly assist us as a district.”
Previously, rural councils such as Binga and Hwange had to make distress calls to Bulawayo, more than 400 kilometres away, often navigating poor road networks, which hampered effective emergency response
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