BULAWAYO mayor David Coltart has hailed the city’s skills transfer programme under Operation Florian for creating international demand for its firefighters.
Coltart made the remarks during Operation Florian phase 13 pass-out parade held at Famona Fire Station.
Operation Florian, a UK-based fire and rescue charity, partners communities worldwide to promote fire safety and disaster management. In Zimbabwe, the programme has been working with city and rural fire brigades for several years.
In a speech read on his behalf by councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, Coltart highlighted the programme’s success while noting challenges in retaining trained personnel.
“The effectiveness of this training is evidenced by the global demand for Bulawayo-trained firefighters. However, while we celebrate the upskilling of our team, we remain concerned over our inability to retain some of these highly skilled professionals,” he said.
Originally designed for Bulawayo, the programme has expanded nationally. This year, 18 local authorities participated, along with a group from Botswana, demonstrating Bulawayo’s growing role in regional disaster management.
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Following a directive from the Local Government and Public Works ministry, Bulawayo’s Fire Brigade trained teams from rural district councils. Six teams from rural local authorities were initially trained and six more have now enrolled for the programme.
Coltart said the training went beyond firefighting tactics. Participants become cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences of Bulawayo with the continent.
“I know some team members are visiting Bulawayo and perhaps the continent for the first time. As you return home, I trust you have found something beautiful to share about our city, its people and its way of life,” he said.
Coltart encouraged the participants to tell the beautiful story of Bulawayo.
Operation Florian not only provides training but also donates equipment to rebuild fire and rescue services in areas affected by
disasters.