Training of firefighters for the civil protection police of Bunia, DRC
In an effort to strengthen firefighting capabilities in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, 18 police officers from the Civil Protection Unit recently completed their firefighter training. This initiative aims to protect the population of Bunia and intervene effectively in the event of a fire.
The training, lasting five weeks, allowed police officers to learn different intervention techniques to control fires. They now have the necessary skills to put out fires of all origins and ensure the safety of the inhabitants of Bunia. Among the 18 police officers trained, five are women, demonstrating equal opportunities and inclusion in this profession.
The commander of the Civil Protection Police Unit, Désiré Mboma, welcomed this training, which is particularly important in a context where the city of Bunia is experiencing rapid growth with the construction of new houses and gas stations. Trained firefighters will now be ready to deal with any fire incident and protect the population effectively.
The Deputy Head of MONUSCO Office, Leopold Gnonke, underlined the importance of this training as part of stabilization efforts in the DRC. He affirmed the availability of MONUSCO to support the Congolese authorities in their mission to protect citizens, and encouraged the population to call on their reinforcement if necessary.
However, despite this positive progress, the town of Bunia currently only has one firefighting truck, offered by economic operators in the province of Ituri. The city mayor stressed the need to obtain more vehicles, equipment and appropriate materials to strengthen the effectiveness of interventions in the event of fire and guarantee optimal working conditions for firefighters.
In conclusion, the training of these 18 police officers as firefighters represents a significant advance in the firefighting capacity in Bunia. However, it is essential to continue investing in the infrastructure and resources necessary to ensure effective protection of the population. Trained firefighters are ready to take over, but they need the support and adequate means to carry out their essential mission.