02 Jul 2013

The Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo has urged Francistown residents to avoid causing veld fires.

Speaking at the annual inter fire activities at Chedu Choga grounds in Francistown on June 26, Mr Kaboeamodimo said veld fires had potential to destroy the environment including grazing pastures, trees, birds and wild animals, among others.

The DPS said the event would assist fire fighters to be ready to fight fire in case of an outbreak, particularly considering how many fire fighters died during terrorist attacks on World Trade Centre’s twin towers on September 11, 2001 in the USA.

“Through these activities, such fatalities can be avoided,” he said, adding that the activities would also shed light on how different fires and materials could be used when combating fires.

Mr Kaboeamodimo said at times, fires went to an extent of destroying people`s valuables because of lack of knowledge on how it should have been stopped before becoming uncontrollable and causing more damage.

He commended the fire department for the great work and said through such activities, the country would be able to reach Vision 2016’s pillar of being an educated and informed nation. Mr Kaboeamodimo explained that firefighting was no longer about fire, but rather about life saving.

“Through the department of fire's activities and initiatives, we will be able to fight disasters and catastrophes that might affect us,” he said. The DPS said through their efforts in such disasters, both the lives of human beings and animals could be saved.

For his part, Francistown mayor, Mr James Kgalajwe said the activities would assist in promoting fitness among fire fighters. The mayor noted that the activities would also bring team spirit, courage and discipline, without which their objectives would not be achieved.

“I urge all fire fighters to fully utilise the gym room and also engage in sports for them to be ready whenever duty calls. The gym for fire fighters is well equipped and at the same time it is rarely used and I wonder why,” he wondered.

Mr Kgalajwe said through these activities, the community would be sensitised on the services that the fire department offered and the community would also be in a better position to handle fire.

Furthermore, he said fire fighters should be awarded for the great job they were doing, noting that even those who died while on duty should be remembered by giving awards to their families. ENDS