Zimpapers Logo

Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]

BUBI and Tsholotsho Rural District Councils will receive a fire tender each as part of the Government’s Devolution funds to finance infrastructural development and other key public service provisions.

The rural local authorities have started setting up fire departments to fight infernos in their areas of jurisdiction.

The two rural district councils have invited potential candidates interested in joining their new fire-fighting departments to apply for the positions.

Earlier this year, the Government announced that it would equip all local authorities, both urban and rural, with fire tenders, marking a major milestone in the country’s disaster management efforts.

Bubi RDC chief executive officer Dr Patson Mlilo, said they will be hiring full-time firefighters to fight infernos in conjunction with volunteers who are already trained to mobilise resources and help stop the spread of blazes in far-to-reach places in the district.

“This will be the first time that Bubi RDC will have a fully-fledged fire-fighting department with a fire engine, specialised equipment and trained personnel to fight fires in the Inyathi townships, business centres around the district and resettlement areas, which are some of the places with a high probability of fires breaking out,” said Dr Mlilo. “Bubi RDC will receive one fire tender that will enable firefighters to get to far-to-reach places when fires break out. 

“We already have teams of volunteer firefighters in villages across Bubi who will also play an important role in the fight against fires, particularly veld fires that can destroy large swaths of land in a very short space of time.”

He said plans are underway for the construction of a new “smart city” project set to take shape in Nkenyane area in Ward 14, about 20km north of Bulawayo in Bubi, Matabeleland North Province —setting the stage for accelerated modernisation of the rural district through enhanced infrastructure development.

At the moment, Inyathi District Service Centre has 1 203 stands, inclusive of the high and low density and commercial, while the waiting list has 1 997, of which 867 are for the low density, 600 for high density and 530 for the business centre.

Dr Mlilo said the new fire department will come in handy in servicing the growing population and expanding infrastructure in the area.

“By the time the smart city concept starts being implemented, our fire-fighting department will be up and running with experienced firefighters who will be able to handle any emergency rescue operations,” he said.

Tsholotsho RDC, in a notice published in the Chronicle yesterday, said it was looking for individuals to fill up positions in their fire-fighting department.

The RDC is looking for three experienced firefighters to attend to fire and emergency rescue calls, as well as rescue operations in incidents involving hazardous materials in addition to taking part in decontamination exercises, among other duties.

The candidates for the fire-fighting positions must have a minimum of five Ordinary Level subjects including Maths, English and a Science subject and be between the ages of 18 to 24 years.