26 Sep 2019

Batswana have been advised to learn more about fire safety to protect lives and property.

The advice was given by Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Karabo Gare during a fire awareness event at Sir Seretse Khama Junior Secondary School in Gaborone on September 24.

 Mr Gare stressed the need for people to know how to deal with fire outbreaks which he said  took away the social security of victims.

He also urged community members to be supportive of each other during fire outbreaks to safeguard property and lives.

The assistant minister noted that teaching the youth would impact positively on their future and help protect their families and the nation at large.

He appealed to students and the community to embrace lessons from the fire department as that was crucial to public safety.

Furthermore, Mr Gare described collaboration between the fire department and the community as a noteworthy exercise which should endure.

For his part, deputy permanent secretary in the Office of the President, Mr Ernest Phiri  noted that engagement of all stakeholders on issues pertaining to public safety was critical to ensuring that Batswana’s welfare of was not jeopardized due to  lack of knowledge.

Mr Phiri advised Batswana to exercise caution when using heat generating appliances as they often caused fire.

According to Ward Development Committee chairperson Mr Tebogo Kgaodi, the area had since 2017 experienced a lot of fires with two  having been recorded this year.

Mr Kgaodi noted that the fires  caused  significant damage to houses and stripped families of their belongings.

He also recognised as important the collaboration that the Itumeleng Ward community had with the fire department as it would ensure that fires were averted.

Mr Kgaodi revealed that fire awareness day was going to be an annual event.

Donations of household items were made to fire victims by Ms Motamma Horatius. Ends