The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency response system by calling on local authorities to invest in professional fire services, modern equipment and qualified personnel.
Speaking at the joint pass-out parade for 45 local authority firefighters at the Central Fire Station in Harare today, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Mavunga, described the graduation as a major milestone in enhancing Zimbabwe’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity.
“Today is not merely a graduation ceremony. It is a celebration of excellence, resilience and national collaboration. It represents another significant milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the programme reflects the Second Republic’s development agenda under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“It demonstrates the practical implementation of the Second Republic’s development philosophy under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whose unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind continues to guide national development,” said Minister Mavunga.
He commended the City of Harare for partnering with other local authorities by opening its training facilities to firefighters from Norton Town Council, Ruwa Local Board, Bindura Rural District Council, Chirumanzu Rural District Council and Mazowe Rural District Council.
“The successful collaboration between the City of Harare and participating local authorities is a shining example of cooperative local governance,” he said.
Hon. Mavunga also applauded the five women who graduated, saying their achievement reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality.
“Your presence reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality and demonstrates that courage, professionalism and public service know no gender boundaries.”
He highlighted the government’s investment in modernising emergency services through the Zimbabwe-Belarus Bilateral Cooperation Programme.
“Through the Zimbabwe–Belarus Bilateral Cooperation Programme, the government has procured and distributed more than one hundred state-of-the-art Red Lion fire tenders for deployment throughout Zimbabwe’s provinces, ultimately benefiting all ninety-two local authorities,” Hon. Mavunga stated.
He said the programme was financed through devolution funds administered by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level.
Hon. Mavunga also announced new directives aimed at improving professionalism in local authority fire services.
“Every local authority must ensure that its fire and rescue service is headed by a professionally qualified officer possessing, at a minimum, the rank and competency of station officer. Modern equipment must be matched by competent leadership,” he said.
The minister warned against the use of unaccredited firefighter training institutions.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works recognises only two accredited firefighter training institutions in Zimbabwe: the City of Harare Fire Brigade and the City of Bulawayo Fire Brigade.”
He urged all 92 local authorities to construct modern fire stations using devolution funds, update their fire by-laws and strengthen asset management systems to ensure specialised equipment is operated only by trained personnel.
Hon. Mavunga said an efficient emergency response system is critical to Zimbabwe’s economic development and investment drive.
“As Zimbabwe continues implementing the national mantra, Zimbabwe is Open for Business, investors require confidence that their factories, commercial premises, agricultural enterprises and strategic infrastructure will be protected against fire and other disasters,” he added.
He added that all local authorities are expected to meet the Minimum Service Delivery Standards by maintaining trained personnel, functional equipment and effective emergency response systems.
