17 Belarusian fire tenders headed to Zimbabwe

SEVENTEEN Belarusian fire tenders previously impounded in Lithuania are reportedly on their way to Zimbabwe and are expected to arrive before the end of October, as Government moves to strengthen firefighting capacity across the country.

Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Chief Director Nathan Nkomo confirmed the development, saying the consignment would complement the distribution of Red Lion fire tenders to local authorities.

"You remember there was a story whereby 17 fire trucks were impounded by Lithuania, but they are now on their way to Zimbabwe. Before the end of October, we will receive the consignment," Nkomo said.

The vehicles were seized at Lithuania's port of Klaipeda in March 2023 while in transit from Belarus over suspected links to a company under European Union sanctions.

Zimbabwe protested the seizure, maintaining that it was an innocent third party that had lawfully procured the equipment. Lithuania subsequently sought to auction the vehicles, prompting the Zimbabwean Government to intervene through Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza, who mounted a legal challenge.

Nkomo said the fire tenders were now on their way to Harare.

He described the initiative to equip all 92 local authorities with fire tenders as a major step towards improving the country's preparedness for veld fires and urban fire emergencies.

"It was a wisdom by His Excellency to think of capacitating all the 92 local authorities with a fire tender. It was a change," he said.

The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe's cooperation with Belarus, with the Government seeking to improve emergency response capabilities and ensure local authorities are better equipped to respond to fire incidents.