BULAWAYO councillors have called for urgent investment in ambulance services and improved emergency response systems, citing an ageing fleet, increasing population and rising demand for timely intervention.
During recent council deliberations, councillor Lovewell Mwinde commended the Fire and Ambulance section for what he described as good service delivery, but warned that the ambulance fleet had outlived its life
span.”
He proposed a funding model where “residents (will) be levied at least US$1 that would be ring- fenced for ambulance services” to support recapitalisation.
Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo echoed the same sentiments, highlighting operational inefficiencies caused by outdated systems.
She said ambulances should be equipped with modern navigation tools, noting that “ambulances [need] to be fitted with GIS equipment so that the crews can easily locate properties and addresses where service is needed”.
She added that the current fleet was old and no longer reliable.
Providing an update, councillor Felix Takunda Madzana revealed that six ambulances had been purchased and were awaiting delivery, but acknowledged that existing vehicles were prone to constant breakdown.
- Police probe BCC stands deals
- BCC proposes inquiry into water challenges
- Byo battles sewage pipe bursts
- Council cries foul over ‘hijacked’ projects
Keep Reading
He further cautioned against excessive erection of speed humps, arguing that “this is a serious disadvantage to the fire and ambulance crews to respond timeously”.
Councillor Susan Sithole praised the Fire Brigade’s responsiveness during recent flash floods in ward 11, saying their swift action helped to save lives.
He pointed to Luveve Road as “now a high accident zone,” adding that each time there was a road accident the emergency services responded quickly and a life was saved.
As Bulawayo continues to expand, councillor Perseverance Nyathi stressed the need to decentralise emergency services through the establishment of additional fire stations.
She urged council to implement plans for two satellite stations at Cowdray Park and Waterford, noting that this will enable the city to meet internationally recommended reaction times.
Concerns over addressing systems were also raised, with councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu warning that the absence of visible house numbers in some suburbs was delaying emergency response.
“Some properties do not display numbers. This contributed to delays by the crews in cases of emergency,” he said, singling out Mahatshula as an area of
concern.
Deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu applauded the department’s performance but warned of increased pressure due to anticipated heavy rains.
He noted that weather forecasts indicated above normal rainfall, which could escalate emergencies if residents failed to take preventive measures.
He urged residents to open weep holes.
"Fire Brigade’s attendance was at a cost,” the minutes read.
Adding to safety concerns, councillor Aleck Ndlovu called for stricter enforcement of council by-laws, particularly around drainage compliance and hazardous
activities.
He said a compliance team should be established and “residents without weep holes should be fined.”
He also raised alarm over the rise in informal liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas) sales in residential areas, warning that the activity is very dangerous and can lead to loss of life and property.
Councillors agreed that while infrastructure such as speed humps is important for road safety, its implementation must be balanced to avoid hindering emergency response vehicles.
Council resolved to adopt the recommendations of the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee, signalling a commitment to strengthening Bulawayo’s emergency services amid mounting challenges.
