UK firm gifts Hwange local authority lifesaving engine

Providence Moyo

Hwange Local Board has  received  a Volvo fire engine and ancillary  equipment  from a United Kingdom (UK) based company,  Operation Florian  on Sunday.

The  acting Town Secretary,  Paulos Mabhureni said  the 2 800 litre engine brings relief to the   community  of Hwange which had gone for two years without a fire engine. 

“The latest acquisition comes at a time when we have been operating without  any fire engine for two years  after the one we had broke down in 2021. Efforts to bring it back into the fold before the end of this year or first quarter of next year by  importing the needed spare parts are underway. If we manage to bring  it back to life, we would  be having two fire engines  which would be a positive  development  that will go a long way in terms of risk and disaster preparedness in our jurisdiction.”

Even though the engine was a donation, the local authority, had to part with $15 000 USD for the shipping of the engine including duty.

Mabhureni also revealed that plans are afoot to build a fire station in Hwange. 

“We had included  it in our 2023 budget, but we failed to  undertake the project due to financial challenges, however, we are optimistic that  we will commence the project next year.”