Bulawayo’s Fire Department Takes Proactive Disaster Management

Written by on February 5, 2025

5 February 2025

By Kenneth K Nyika

Bulawayo’s fire department has taken a proactive approach to disaster management, prioritizing the community, preparedness and planning to minimize the impact of disasters. This initiative, supported by the European Union’s humanitarian aid department and other stakeholders, has proven instrumental in saving lives and reducing the city’s vulnerability to disasters.

According to the Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, this approach is a worst case scenario contingency plan where they mobilise resources, raise awareness, and encourage residents to report all vulnerable areas in their vicinities.

“We urge everyone to lend us their ears during our awareness campaigns. We conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify hazardous areas, ensuring we are well prepared to respond swiftly in the event of a disaster. By doing so, we can mobilize resources effectively to cater to the needs of those affected. We also collaborate with local radio stations to serve as early warning channels, rapidly alerting the public to potential dangers. These awareness campaigns are crucial in helping us pinpoint vulnerable areas, ultimately enabling us to support one another in times of need,” said Moyo.

Moyo noted a recent example, where the fire department, in collaboration with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), ambulance services, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), successfully contained floods that affected parts of the city on 15 January 2025. They responded promptly to 25 emergency calls from areas such as Sizinda, while NGOs like World Vision and Africa Ahead provided critical resources and assistance.


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