24 Apr 2017

 Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya says fire fighters should be trained in the science.
Speaking during the Central District Council (CDC) seventh Fire Graduation ceremony held over the weekend, Mr Goya said fire fighters should be thoroughly trained in all aspects of the science in order to rapidly respond to emergencies and carry out their functions efficiently. He said evolution of new technologies and the fact that most of the building materials used in today’s construction were either synthetic or chemical based, warranted scientific and technical training or knowledge on how to combat the challenges presented by fire.

Therefore, he said it was crucial to provide firefighters with modern equipment for them to honour their mandate.
Mr Goya urged them to work closely with stakeholders such as police, hospitals and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology.
Firefighting, he explained was much more than just extinguishing fires and carrying out important extrication activities as their main functions, but also conduct humanitarian services.
“Firefighting is not just a job, it is a highly recognised profession worth dignifying.

A total of 38 firefighters from various districts were graduating after completing an eight week training in Palapye.
“It is expected of you to now go out in your respective districts and perform your duty with high level of pride and professionalism,” he said.
Mr Goya who is also MP for Palapye said it was imperative that emphasis was placed on establishing fire coverage throughout the country.
He further commended Central District Council (CDC) for its efforts towards achieving capacity in respect to firefighting coverage in the district, applauding them for establishing two new sub-stations in Mahalapye and Tutume in addition to three more sub-districts providing firefighting services.
They include Tonota, Boteti, Bobirwa as well as Palapye.

He said CDC had been doing significant training that included Basic Recruit Firemanship, Advanced Firemanship, Leading Firemanship, Basic Ambulance Assistance, adding that it was evident that great effort was being made by the council to ensure that its fire fighters were trained and ready to handle the challenges involved in firefighting, extrication and other emergencies.
Head of the Fire Department at CDC, Mr Whitfield Joshua added that firefighting was a serious and dangerous profession, hence firefighters should be thoroughly trained.

He said it was important to have embarked on this course because firefighters were often the first to arrive at the scene as such should be imparted with skills to handle various emergencies and protecting lives.
He also added that with the introduction of new technologies, it was imperative to impart firefighters with skills to handle radio-active and hazardous material, adding that that there was need for specialised training in this area.
Joshua said it was impressive for CDC to be extending the fire services to most of its sub-districts, after having started with one fire station.
He said prior to that, too many lives were lost because of the long distance.

Palapye Administration Authority chairpersomn, Mr Lesedi Phuthego said fire was crucial, but also dangerous, as a result, he urged the fire department to also educate the public on safety measures to adopt during fire outbreaks.
He also implored the graduates to respond to emergencies on time to save lives and property. ENDS