29 Jul 2015

The wellness coordinator in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Setho Ramafifi says inter fire activities are a platform to sensitise the public about the role of fire fighters as well as to promote relations and discipline among fire fighters.

Addressing fire fighters from across Botswana at their annual inter fire activities that were hosted by the North West District Council (NWDC) fire department in Maun recently, Ms Ramafifi said fire fighters had a humanitarian aid impact since they were instrumental in times of natural disasters such as floods and during road traffic accidents.

She said fire fighters ought to be empathetic to carry out the humanitarian role.

She expressed dismay that the public sometimes hinders fire fighters from carrying out their duty by blocking their vehicles in times of emergency while some people misused the emergency line 998.

Ms Ramafifi said it was imperative for the public to understand the role of fire fighters to assist them to deliver on their mandate.

The acting chief fire officer in the North West District Council, Mr Mishingo Fati said domestic fires constitute a higher percentage of fire incidents in the Maun area. Ends