Firefighters trained by Bulawayo’s fire brigade are increasingly in demand overseas, making it difficult for the city to retain skilled personnel.
This was revealed by Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart during the Operation Florian Phase 13 pass-out parade held at Famona Fire Station.
Operation Florian, a UK-based fire and rescue charity, works with communities around the world to promote fire safety and disaster management. In Zimbabwe, the programme has been partnering with both city and rural fire brigades for several years.
In a speech read on his behalf by Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, Coltart praised the success of the programme, but also pointed out the growing challenge of keeping trained firefighters, many of whom are now sought after internationally. He said:
“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.”
The programme, which was originally set up for Bulawayo, has now grown into a national initiative. This year alone, 18 local authorities took part, along with a team from Botswana, showing Bulawayo’s rising role in regional disaster management.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Bulawayo’s Fire Brigade has also been training teams from rural district councils. Six teams were trained initially, and another six have since joined the programme.
Coltart said the training goes beyond just firefighting skills, with participants also becoming cultural ambassadors who share their experiences of Bulawayo across the region.
Operation Florian not only offers training but also donates equipment to help rebuild fire and rescue services, particularly in areas affected by disasters.
More: Southern Eye
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