Story by Tafara Chikumira
Government has commissioned fire tenders for rural local authorities in the Midlands province as the Second Republic moves to ensure previously marginalised communities benefit from the country’s industrialisation efforts.
The two fire tenders commissioned for Vungu and Chirumanzu-Zibagwe rural district councils mark a new chapter for the communities, which previously relied on help from nearby cities in the event of fire challenges.
The fire tenders are part of the 133 firefighting trucks acquired from Belarus, a testimony of the Second Republic’s inclusive development approach.
“This is a first for us. Previously we would rely on Gweru City Council to deal with fire. This meant that we could not move with speed in addressing such outbreaks and chances of serving lives and properties were slim. Now we have just been equipped with this truck and hopefully our services will improve,” said Vungu Rural District Council acting chairperson, Miss Loreen Maheru.
“I want to thank the visionary leadership of our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa which continues to bring about positive change in our communities. As a rural authority, we have problems with veldt fires, which usually break out at any given time. We used to have problems in containing such fires. This development will go a long way in protecting people and our animals as well,” said a villager.
“As people of Chirumanzu-Zibagwe, we want to say this is a big day to us. We used to watch helplessly as people perish in inferno during accidents. Such development in rural areas is indeed remarkable. We used to think that such machinery is for big cities but the Second Republic is saying everyone should be covered. We are already witnessing Vision 2030 in motion, thanks to President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership,” said another villager.
Government implored the local authorities to shape up and deliver quality services that justify the support they are getting from the country’s coffers.
“I urge all local authorities to enhance their Disaster Mitigation and Response Mechanisms in order to maximise utilisation of lifesaving equipment such as fire tenders, ambulances and health facilities. We will not allow scenarios where life and property is lost with these fire tenders neatly parked at the Offices. Furthermore, councils must commit towards continuous improvement in road maintenance, water and sanitation, health, education, public lighting, recreational facilities, housing and work spaces for SMEs to propel local economic development,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
The fire tenders, procured under the Second Republic’s devolution programme, are part of critical necessities that include clinics and schools constructed through use of devolution funds to improve livelihoods in communities.
