By Dumisani Ndlovu
Owen Ncube, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Midlands, commissioned two fire tenders for Vungu and Zibagwe Rural District Councils. A third fire tender will be allocated to Chirumhanzu Rural District Council.
In rural areas, fire tenders are a crucial component of public safety infrastructure. Fires and accidents can spread quickly, and the lack of immediate response can lead to devastating consequences. The acquisition of fire tenders is a significant step towards enhancing disaster response and mitigation in rural districts.
“The fire tenders were acquired through devolution funds disbursed to local authorities,” Minister Ncube said. “This is in fulfillment of decentralization towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society earlier than 2030.”
Minister Ncube emphasized that the fire tenders will enable local authorities to swiftly attend to fire outbreaks, road traffic accidents, and other emergencies. “This is a clear affirmation of our leadership’s will to protect people’s lives,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of enhancing Disaster Mitigation and Response Mechanisms to maximize the utilization of lifesaving equipment. “We will not allow scenarios where life and property is lost with these fire tenders neatly parked at the offices,” he warned.
Vungu RDC acting chief executive officer Noreen Maheru thanked the government for the fire tender, stating that it will help serve the two constituencies under their jurisdiction. Vungu RDC ward seven councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda welcomed the fire tender, hoping it will help prevent deaths from fires and accidents.
“In the past, we have lost lives and property due to fires and accidents,” Cllr Sibanda said. “With this fire tender, we are confident that we can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, saving lives and property.”
