BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MATSAPHA – Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba is optimistic that the expansion of the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) Training Centre to Motshane and the ongoing revamp of all 11 fire stations across the Kingdom will strengthen the service’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
In his welcoming remarks shared during the third National Fire Day celebration at Matsapha International Airport on Monday, Lushaba said the expansion of the Fire and Emergency Services Training Centre to the Motshane area was among the key developments in the service’s growth.
He said the initiative would strengthen the training and professional development of personnel, preparing them to deal with the increasingly complex demands of modern emergencies.
The ongoing revamp of all 11 fire stations is also expected to provide personnel with better working environments while strengthening the operational capacity of the service across the country.
“These investments will create better working environments for our personnel while strengthening our ability to respond effectively to emergencies,” Lushaba said.
He noted that the service had continued to grow and transform since the establishment of the Fire Department in 1975, adapting to the changing needs of the nation.
Lushaba said the developments reflected the service’s commitment not only to responding to fires and other emergencies but also to improving preparedness and preventing incidents through education and partnerships.
He also highlighted the positive impact of public awareness campaigns, revealing that approximately 580 veld fires were reported during the 2026 winter season, representing a significant reduction compared to previous years.
He attributed the progress to sustained public education, prevention campaigns and community participation.
The Chief Fire Officer said the continued hosting of National Fire Day had evolved into an important national programme bringing together Government, traditional leaders, communities, private institutions and other stakeholders.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #ENFRES #NationalFireDay #FireSafety #Motshane #EmergencyPreparedness
