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Minister Kasukuwere

Lawrence Chitumba Herald Correspondent
The country should strategically position emergency services like fire tenders so that the distance between any two service providers is manageable.

This was said by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere last week during the handover of fire tenders to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and two local authorities — Marondera and Karoi.

Minister Kasukuwere said lives had been lost and property destroyed by fire which could have been saved if emergency services were readily available.

“I am sure the events which come to mind are the Chisumbanje fire disaster which resulted in loss of property and life because the nearest local authority which had a functional fire tender was Harare, some 500 kilometres away as well as the Beitbridge border post fire disaster which brought business to a stand still,” he said.

In the Chisumbanje fire disaster, 22 people were killed — many burnt beyond recognition — after a Mazda T35 truck ferrying mourners collided head-on with a Green Fuel tanker carrying 45 000 litres of ethanol which burst into flames on impact in October 2013.

Minister Kasukuwere said the high statistics of deaths and injuries recorded indicated the unavailability of emergency services.

He said 23 local authorities received support in the form of ambulances and fire tenders from the Japanese Fire Fighters Association which came as donations.

“This agreement, must therefore, be applauded as it is coming at a time when the nation is going into the festive season which is usually associated with both man-made and natural disasters characterised by high frequency of road accidents,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

The equipment was sourced with the aid of Mr Peter Lobel, who has built a name in the confectionery industry.

“Mr Lobel’s philanthropic gesture will go a long way in filling this yawning gap and as a result prevent the loss of life, protect the environment and improve the social well being of the people of Zimbabwe, said Minister Kasukuwere.

“Public Private Partnerships (PPP) have of late proved to be a source of additional funding for our local authorities. I need not emphasise that PPPs are regarded as major sources of funding under the Zim-Asset programme.”