BY LINDELWA MYENI
LOBAMBA– Communities in Lobamba are being empowered with knowledge and practical measures to prevent fire disasters through a fire awareness campaign aimed at strengthening preparedness during the dry season.
The campaign, held at Lobamba Inkhundla, brought together Ezulwini Municipality, the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) – Ümvalo Wesive, Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Rescue Services, Department of Forestry, Royal Eswatini Police Services, Eswatini Environment Authority and Lobamba Inkhundla, alongside community members and other stakeholders.
The initiative emphasised the importance of communities taking an active role in disaster risk reduction by identifying potential risks, preparing in advance and taking responsible action to prevent fires.
Community members were encouraged to clear vegetation responsibly, report fires early, follow official warnings and look out for their neighbours, with stakeholders stressing that simple actions can help prevent devastating losses.
The campaign was also used to strengthen collaboration between communities, government institutions, emergency services and traditional leadership in building safer and more resilient communities.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Apollo Maphalala, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Thulisile Dladla, joined government representatives, traditional leaders, emergency services, stakeholders and community members during the programme.
A poem presented during the campaign further highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment.
For Ezulwini Municipality, disaster risk reduction extends beyond responding to emergencies, with emphasis placed on preparedness, community education and strengthening the capacity to respond effectively when disasters occur.
The campaign therefore serves as part of broader efforts to ensure communities are better prepared to prevent and respond to fire emergencies, reinforcing the message that disaster risk reduction begins with every individual.
#EzulwiniMunicipality #FireAwareness #FirePrevention #DisasterRiskReduction #SaferCommunities
(Courtesy Pic)
