SHELMA SIBANDA
Operation Florian, a UK-based fire-fighting charity, has partnered with the City of Bulawayo to train fire-fighters and promote sustainable development through capacity building in the region.
The partnership, which has been ongoing for three years, aims to establish a collaboration that benefits both the UK and Zimbabwe in terms of fire-fighting expertise and future relationships.
The Chamber Secretary of the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), Sikhangele Zhou, expressed her acknowledgement with the partnership, stating that it has already yielded positive results.
“The partnership with the university came three years after we had engaged Operation Florian as we wanted to build a collaboration so that the future fire-fighters of the UK have a relationship with Bulawayo,” said Zhou.
She added, “We’re happy that one of the students who came with the team 10 years ago is now a fire-fighter.”
The training program encompasses participants from various organizations, including the BCC, as well as students from Hwange ZPC, Hwange Local Board, Mutare Fire Brigade, Plumtree Fire Brigade, Gweru, Shurugwi, Karoi, Chegutu, Victoria Falls, and Chipinge Fire Brigade. The program’s inclusivity reflects its success in attracting a diverse range of individuals interested in fire-fighting.
In addition to the training, the City of Bulawayo has received three fire engines as part of the partnership. These engines are expected to be in Bulawayo by the end of the week, further enhancing the city’s firefighting capabilities.
She revealed, “We have also received three fire engines, which we expect to be in Bulawayo by the end of this week.”
However, the success of the partnership has also presented a disadvantage, as fire-fighters have become highly sought after, with some leaving for job opportunities in Arab countries.
The acting chief fire officer of Bulawayo, Mhlangano Moyo, applauded the partnership with Operation Florian for the competency of his team.
He stated that fire-fighters from ten other local authorities throughout the country will benefit from the training, emphasising the wide-reaching impact of the collaboration.
Moyo also highlighted the benefits of the partnership in terms of equipment and technical expertise. Bulawayo has received the latest firefighting equipment, including line inductors and top-notch rescue equipment, making their services the best in the region.
“Our Bulawayo fire-fighters are the most sought after and many have left destined for Asia, mainly the Arab countries including Qatar and UAE,” stated Moyo.
He added, “We have also benefited in terms of the latest firefighting equipment and we have line inductors and top-notch rescue equipment, which is why our services are the best.”
Moyo also urged the importance of continuous engagement with Operation Florian in enhancing their emergency management skills.
“In terms of technical expertise even in managing these emergencies, we have the best as we continually engage with our peers from Operation Florian,” stated Moyo.
Since its establishment in 2011, the training program has already trained over 800 fire-fighters, attracting participants from neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Botswana. The program has thus become a cornerstone of sustainable development in the region, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The partnership between Operation Florian and the City of Bulawayo exemplifies the potential for international collaboration to foster sustainable development. By sharing expertise and resources, both parties have gained valuable insights and improved their firefighting capabilities.
The long-term impact of the program is evident in the growing number of competent fire-fighters and the improved emergency management services in Bulawayo.
