Proper fire tender for Rusape
GOVERNMENT’S move to rescue local authorities by procuring fire tenders on their behalf has come as a huge relief to councils like Rusape which were operating without such a vital asset or using obsolete equipment.
A total of 133 fire tenders were procured by Government from Belarus, and councils have started receiving them.
On Monday, Rusape unveiled their fire tender, and they are eligible to receive another one on the next allocation.
This is a milestone achievement for a council that is vying for municipal status, but has been operating without a fire tender, save for a ramshackle they procured from Britain years back.
Fire incidents are an emotional issue in the town as several buildings and houses were reduced to rabbles when fire broke out.
A few months ago and in a comical way, the local authority deployed a tractor drawn bowser to extinguish a massive fire that consumed the gigantic Max Village Shopping Centre in Vengere suburb.
Last week, brave members of the public and employees risked their lives by dousing a fire that had broke out a local wholesaler.
Speaking at the commissioning of the fire tender, Makoni District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr Edwin Mashindi, said the Second Republic also proved to be a listening Government by heeding calls to prioritise Rusape in the allocations of fire tenders.
“We are really grateful as Makoni District for the fire tender allocated to Rusape Town Council. The council was relying on an obsolete tender which had serious challenges on parts procurement. Rusape is a conduit to various tourists destination, and connects with several highways which result in many accidents which require fire engine services.
“Rusape had to resort to outsourcing fire tenders from Mutare and Marondera and most of the time, they would arrive when the damage had already been done. With this machine, we are now able to attend to fires and road accidents promptly and save lives. Rusape is now able to respond to civil protection issues with fewer hindrances,” Mr Mashindi said.
Town secretary, Mr Solomon Gabaza, said: “On behalf of Rusape Town Council and our neighbours, we are grateful to Government for procuring this state-of-the-art fire engine for us. This equipment will go a long way in alleviating fire and accidents related issues. We have 10 strong qualified staff members who man our fire department 24/7.”