UK Partnership Strengthens Bulawayo’s Firefighting...

UK Partnership Strengthens Bulawayo’s Firefighting Capacity

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Bulawayo City Council’s partnership with UK-based firefighting charity Operation Florian has been hailed as a game-changer in enhancing fire response capabilities. The collaboration has provided local firefighters with specialised training and equipment donations, strengthening the city’s emergency preparedness.

Speaking after touring the Bulawayo Fire Station in Famona this morning, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, praised the initiative, highlighting its role in improving service delivery.

“I understand Operation Florian is bringing new skills in firefighting. This will ultimately improve service delivery in our cities,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of adopting best practices from developed nations to enhance efficiency, particularly as Zimbabwe works toward improving urban service delivery.

Bulawayo has also been designated as the country’s firefighting training hub, with the city council currently training firefighters from 21 local authorities in the Southern region. The program includes training on operating fire tenders acquired from Belarus under the Devolution Fund.

Deputy Minister of Local Government T. Mavunga, representatives from Operation Florian, and city council officials also attended the tour, underscoring the significance of international collaborations in strengthening emergency response systems.