BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MATSAPHA – His Majesty King Mswati III has called for the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES) to be equipped with specialised tools and skills to respond to fires involving highly volatile chemicals at the country’s strategic oil reserve and emerging industries.
The King said Eswatini’s industrial development required a strong and efficient fire service capable of handling complex emergencies, particularly at facilities where conventional firefighting methods could worsen a fire.
He cited the fuel storage facility at Phuzumoya, describing it and other upcoming industrial projects as developments that demanded specialised emergency preparedness.
His Majesty said some chemicals required special firefighting techniques and equipment, as using water in certain incidents could exacerbate the situation.
He therefore urged Government to ensure that ENFRES received the necessary firefighting equipment and vehicles to enable its personnel to perform their duties effectively.
“As our national development spans from protecting rural agricultural yields to securing increases in high-rise urban infrastructure, the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service must continuously upskill, equip and prepare its personnel,” the King said.
He was speaking during the third edition of the National Fire Day celebration at Matsapha International Airport.
The King said a well-equipped fire service was essential not only for protecting lives and property but also for giving investors confidence that their investments were secure.
He further called for continued professional training to ensure firefighters could respond to the demands of modern infrastructure and emerging industrial risks.
His Majesty noted that the service had demonstrated the value of collaboration with other security forces and emergency services during industrial fires, road traffic accidents, collapsed structures and other emergencies.
He encouraged these institutions to strengthen their cooperation to improve national safety.
The King also called on businesses, traditional leaders and communities to support fire prevention initiatives, stressing that protecting lives and property was a shared responsibility.
He warned that fires could destroy businesses, cost millions of Emalangeni and threaten workers’ livelihoods, making prevention and rapid response essential.
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