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BCC Fire Brigade Urged to Maintain Standby Teams for Fires and Flash Floods
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BULAWAYO – The Bulawayo City Council’s Fire Brigade has been urged to always maintain standby teams to respond to emergencies such as fires and flash floods.
This was revealed in the latest council minutes under the Fire and Ambulance section, following discussions during a full council meeting.
According to the minutes, Councillor Roy Sekete noted that some residents refused to open weep holes during the rainy season, worsening flooding risks. He called for standby teams to assist in resolving disputes over weep hole openings.
“He also enquired on the legal aspect in relation to opening of weep holes. He was of the view that the Fire Brigade might be overwhelmed, therefore there was need for standby manpower especially from the Works Department to intervene,” the minutes read.
Councillor Aleck Ndlovu added that while the city’s bylaws were clear, deliberate resistance from residents remained a challenge. He reported three cases of flash flooding in his ward, urging council to review penalties for non-compliance.
“Flash flooding caused property and furniture damage as well as the risk of children drowning. Residents should open weeping holes. The emergency numbers should be shared in various social media platforms and social groups,” the minutes stated.
The Works Department confirmed it had standby teams to assist during flooding, acting swiftly when called to open weep holes to protect residents and property.
The Legal Officer advised that awareness campaigns had already been conducted, with notices issued in the press and on social media. The minutes further noted that the Fire Brigade has statutory authority to open weep holes when property owners refuse to comply.
Council acknowledged that the bylaw is under review, with existing fines capped at Level 3 (not more than US$30), which was deemed insufficiently punitive.
The minutes concluded that the Fire Brigade responded to all emergency calls relating to weep hole openings, with turnout fees charged to residents deemed responsible.
This was revealed in the latest council minutes under the Fire and Ambulance section, following discussions during a full council meeting.
According to the minutes, Councillor Roy Sekete noted that some residents refused to open weep holes during the rainy season, worsening flooding risks. He called for standby teams to assist in resolving disputes over weep hole openings.
“He also enquired on the legal aspect in relation to opening of weep holes. He was of the view that the Fire Brigade might be overwhelmed, therefore there was need for standby manpower especially from the Works Department to intervene,” the minutes read.
Councillor Aleck Ndlovu added that while the city’s bylaws were clear, deliberate resistance from residents remained a challenge. He reported three cases of flash flooding in his ward, urging council to review penalties for non-compliance.
“Flash flooding caused property and furniture damage as well as the risk of children drowning. Residents should open weeping holes. The emergency numbers should be shared in various social media platforms and social groups,” the minutes stated.
The Works Department confirmed it had standby teams to assist during flooding, acting swiftly when called to open weep holes to protect residents and property.
The Legal Officer advised that awareness campaigns had already been conducted, with notices issued in the press and on social media. The minutes further noted that the Fire Brigade has statutory authority to open weep holes when property owners refuse to comply.
Council acknowledged that the bylaw is under review, with existing fines capped at Level 3 (not more than US$30), which was deemed insufficiently punitive.
The minutes concluded that the Fire Brigade responded to all emergency calls relating to weep hole openings, with turnout fees charged to residents deemed responsible.
Source - Byo24news
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