Local Authorities Implored To Strengthen Fire Safety Education Programmes, Inspections

By The Post Reporter

Bulawayo-Local authorities across the country have been implored to strengthen fire safety education programmes, conduct regular inspections, and promote public awareness campaigns to reduce the occurrence of preventable fires.

This was said by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address during the pass out parade and graduation ceremony of firefighters for Rural District Councils(RDC`s) in Matebeleland North and South provinces and City of Bulawayo fire brigade.

The participants of the course were drawn from six rural district councils namely, Binga, Insiza, Tsholotsho, Hwange, Kusile and Matobo.

“As government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we remain committed to professionalizing and modernizing our fire and emergency services.

“Prevention is always better than response. I urge all local authorities to strengthen fire safety education programmes, conduct regular inspections, and promote public awareness campaigns to reduce the occurrence of preventable fires,”said Garwe.

The minister further said government takes cognisance of numerous fire incidents occurring in local communities, markets, industries, agricultural fields, plantations, national parks, among others.

In light of these developments, Garwe said, government saw it fit to procure fire tenders to manage fire hazards in local authority areas.

“Given the ever-increasing fire incidents in the country, government saw it fit to procure fire tenders to manage fire hazards in local authority areas.

“Riding on the Bilateral relations between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus, government managed to procure a total of 131 fire tenders for distribution to local authorities and strategic Government departments,” he said.

The minister said to date, 114 fire tenders have been delivered and distributed to local authorities.

“I am confident that local authorities here have received at least one fire tender each. Given that fire is one of the potential hazards in any locality, fire-fighting therefore becomes an integral part of Disaster Risk Management.

“Each year households, companies and institutions lose properties worth unimaginable values due to fire outbreaks, while veld fires have ravaged hectares of our forests, destroying ecosystems and affecting the tourism industry.

“It is disheartening to note that during the past five years the country has witnessed devastating fire incidents.

“ There was the Esigodini fire disaster which resulted in the death of 10 people who were attempting to put out a veldfire using rudimentary methods at a farm in October 2022.

“The Save the Nation Market fire incident in Thorngroove, Bulawayo which resulted in destruction of multiple stalls, leading to substantial loss to traders in June 2025 and Glenview Area 8 Furniture Industry fire incident in July 2025,”the minister explained.

He also cited the fire that ravaged the Mbare Traders Market and left at least 4 900 traders counting losses.

“This incident was declared a State of Disaster by President Mnangagwa giving birth to the construction of the Mbare Traders Market Phase 1.

“The main market to be constructed shall be a multi-storey complex with a capacity to accommodate 10 000 traders. This model shall be applied in Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and other towns as part of urban regeneration programmes,” said Garwe.

The minister also reflected on the government’s initiative to equip all local authorities with Fire and Rescue Services, which included a targeted recruitment drive.

He explained that due to the specialized nature of the work, the recruitment was designed to meet high standards, adding that fire-fighting duties are technically and physically demanding.

“This occasion marks not only a milestone in the careers of these brave men and women, but also a significant achievement for our nation. It fundamentally enhances the country’s ability in strengthening its capacity for disaster preparedness and response,”said minister Garwe.