The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is facing a significant loss of firefighters, with many seeking employment in Asian countries, just as the city is grappling with a surge in fire incidents.
Economic hardships in Zimbabwe are pushing numerous citizens to seek better opportunities abroad, resulting in a severe shortage of firefighters in the BCC.
According to council spokesperson Bongiwe Ngwenya, the city’s fire brigade is grappling with a notable brain drain issue. She stated that many young and promising firefighters, officers, and fire engine drivers have left, creating considerable gaps in their ranks. This situation has affected the practical aspects of firefighting.
Ngwenya revealed that firefighters have been leaving for Asian countries such as Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, while others are departing to work for local companies paying in foreign currency. Since January 2023, the fire brigade has lost 38 qualified firefighters and officers.
Despite this loss, Ngwenya noted that the City of Bulawayo’s Fire and Ambulance Services have a reputation for producing high-quality firefighters known worldwide. Some former Bulawayo firefighters are now working at international fire stations and continue to support the city in various ways, including partnerships and training programs for local firefighters.
One such partnership is with Operation Florian, initiated by a former Bulawayo firefighter. This collaboration has significantly improved the city’s firefighting standards and practices.
Ngwenya expressed concern about the wear and tear of fire hoses during operations, leading to leaks. She attributed this problem in part to motorists not cooperating by driving over charged hoses with high pressure, causing them to burst. Despite having hose ramps to help motorists navigate around hoses during firefighting exercises, leaks have been an ongoing issue.
The high frequency of grass fires, with the fire brigade responding to an average of 8–10 calls per day, has made it challenging to clean and dry the hoses after each operation.
In recent weeks, Bulawayo has experienced several major fires, including a significant blaze at the Mutize flea market, a fire at Mzilikazi Panel Beating garage, and a house fire in Pelandaba that destroyed property worth millions of Zimbabwean dollars. These incidents underscore the importance of addressing the shortage of firefighters and maintaining firefighting equipment.
Source Bulawayo24
