BULAWAYO City Council yesterday received 11 fire engines and equipment from Operation Florian, a United Kingdom fire and humanitarian organisation.
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Speaking at the handover ceremony at the City Hall car park, Bulawayo mayor Martin Moyo said the donation had led to the growth of the city’s fire and ambulance department.
“The firemen and women and the ambulance technicians have been trained in various courses and the importance of strategic partnership such as these remain an integral part of the development of any nation and the city of Bulawayo,” he said.
“We bear witness to the importance of partnership, especially with Operation Florian, as this has seen us receiving 11 fire tenders and fire safety equipment which has made our work easier.”
Moyo said the donation covered some local authorities in surrounding towns.
“This has ensured that not only Bulawayo has benefits, but other municipalities which face the same challenges as Bulawayo,” he said.
“It is my hope that the city and various local authorities which have received donations, will fully utilise the equipment and ensure it is used for the protection of communities.”
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Moyo said the training presented an opportunity for growth for participating local authorities.
Speaking at the same occasion, Bulawayo chief fire officer Richard Peterson said they were grateful for the invaluable training programmes.
“When they first came here five years ago, our emergency service was very badly crippled, but the service has been improved,” he said.
“The ambulance service has benefited immensely from the charity, which will go a long way in improving their service delivery.”
Peterson said this year’s training was attended by 19 local authorities so that they combine forces in ensuring their communities’ safety.
“We can now stand on our feet as fire services since Operation Florian has given us their unwavering support,” he said.
Five local authorities — Plumteree, Beitbridge, Hwange, Gwanda, Kwekwe — received donations of equipment from Operation Florian.
