By KASONDE KASONDE –

LOCAL Government and Housing Minister John Phiri has said his ministry recognises the important role the fire fighters play and is working towards equipping them.
Dr Phiri said for the fire fighters to be effective there is need to equip the training schools so that they get the best information and skills especially now with the latest technology.
He said it was unfortunate that the firefighting section in the ministry had not received the attention it deserves.
Dr Phiri said this in Kabwe yesterday when he toured the National Fire Training School to check its operations and familiarise himself with the challenges that the school faces in training fire fighters.
He said he was aware that the fire school was being housed by the District Fire services which was not adequate for the students and that the construction of a fire training school in Kabwe was long overdue.
He was, however, happy that the school was operating well and training fire fighters despite the many challenges.
“The fire fighter sector has not received the attention it deserves and the Ministry has decided to champion the cause of fire fighters,’’ he said.
Dr Phiri said plans to upgrade the fire school to offer diploma courses are in the pipe line.
Meanwhile, National Fire Training School commandant Yonah Mwale said the school lacks equipment and appliances for practical lessons.
Mr Mwale said the school has, however, continued to train the fire fighters across the country.