17 Mar 2013

The Central District Council (CDC) fire department has acquired equipment worth at least P4.5 million.

Speaking in an interview after the fire exposition held in Palapye recently, the controller of fire services in CDC, Mr Whitfield Joshua said they bought very advanced equipment that would enable them to carry out their mandate diligently.

Mr Joshua noted that as they were servicing the biggest district in the country, the equipment was crucial and included radio communication equipment.

He revealed that they would install different equipment such as fire extinguishers across the district.

He further said the department would hold expositions throughout the district as way of sensitising people about their mandate as well as providing information on how to handle fire outbreaks.

In addition, Mr Joshua pointed out that through the exercise, they would teach people how to react when there is a fire.

He further noted that 70 per cent of fire incidents in the district were due to household and industrial equipment while the remaining 30 per cent were due to a variety of reasons.

Meanwhile when giving the keynote address, the manager of corporate, risk and compliance at Botswana Power Corporation, Mr Joseph Phalalo said it was  important that people should know emergency service numbers and keep them where they were easily accessible.

Mr Phalalo said people should avoid overloading circuits, use of unapproved electrical devices, damaged or worn-out wiring and unsafe electrical extension cords. ENDS