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Demand for Bulawayo firefighters surges globally
5 hrs ago |
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Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has praised the city's firefighter training initiative under Operation Florian, saying it has created growing international demand for locally trained emergency personnel.
Speaking during the Operation Florian Phase 13 pass-out parade at Famona Fire Station, Coltart — in remarks delivered on his behalf by councillor Mpumelelo Moyo — commended the programme for significantly enhancing skills within the fire service.
"The effectiveness of this training is evidenced by the global demand for Bulawayo-trained firefighters. However, while we celebrate the upskilling of our team, we remain concerned over our inability to retain some of these highly skilled professionals," he said.
Operation Florian, a UK-based charity, has been working with Zimbabwean communities for several years to strengthen fire safety and disaster response systems. Initially focused on Bulawayo, the programme has since expanded nationwide.
This year, 18 local authorities participated in the training, alongside a delegation from Botswana, highlighting Bulawayo's growing influence in regional disaster management.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Bulawayo's Fire Brigade has also been tasked with training teams from rural district councils. Six teams were initially trained, with an additional six now enrolled in the programme.
Coltart noted that the initiative goes beyond technical firefighting skills, fostering cultural exchange and regional collaboration.
"I know some team members are visiting Bulawayo and perhaps the continent for the first time. As you return home, I trust you have found something beautiful to share about our city, its people and its way of life," he said.
He encouraged participants to act as ambassadors for Bulawayo, sharing positive experiences of the city across the region.
In addition to training, Operation Florian supports disaster-stricken areas by donating essential equipment to rebuild fire and rescue services, further strengthening emergency response capacity.
Speaking during the Operation Florian Phase 13 pass-out parade at Famona Fire Station, Coltart — in remarks delivered on his behalf by councillor Mpumelelo Moyo — commended the programme for significantly enhancing skills within the fire service.
"The effectiveness of this training is evidenced by the global demand for Bulawayo-trained firefighters. However, while we celebrate the upskilling of our team, we remain concerned over our inability to retain some of these highly skilled professionals," he said.
Operation Florian, a UK-based charity, has been working with Zimbabwean communities for several years to strengthen fire safety and disaster response systems. Initially focused on Bulawayo, the programme has since expanded nationwide.
This year, 18 local authorities participated in the training, alongside a delegation from Botswana, highlighting Bulawayo's growing influence in regional disaster management.
Coltart noted that the initiative goes beyond technical firefighting skills, fostering cultural exchange and regional collaboration.
"I know some team members are visiting Bulawayo and perhaps the continent for the first time. As you return home, I trust you have found something beautiful to share about our city, its people and its way of life," he said.
He encouraged participants to act as ambassadors for Bulawayo, sharing positive experiences of the city across the region.
In addition to training, Operation Florian supports disaster-stricken areas by donating essential equipment to rebuild fire and rescue services, further strengthening emergency response capacity.
Source - Southern Eye
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