The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, has praised 189 newly trained firefighters for their dedication, urging them to serve with courage, integrity, and selflessness as they join Zambia’s frontline public safety workforce.
Hon. Sialubalo delivered his remarks during the pass-out ceremony of Firefighters Recruit Course Intake 70/2025 in Kabwe. He described firefighting not merely as a career but as a sacred calling that requires discipline, patriotism, teamwork, and sacrifice. “You are no longer ordinary citizens, you are professional firefighters of the Republic of Zambia. Wear this honour with pride and humility. Lives are in your hands, and the people look to you for protection and rescue in times of danger,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment under President Hakainde Hichilema to strengthen fire and rescue services nationwide. Key initiatives include the Fire and Emergency Management Service Bill, aimed at improving management of fire and emergency services; upgrading and constructing fire stations, with new sub-stations completed in Lusaka and Kasama Fire Station at 60 percent completion; and plans for a state-of-the-art Fire Academy to position Zambia as a regional leader in fire and rescue training.
He also highlighted ongoing maintenance of over 40 fire tender pumps to ensure operational readiness, noting that more than 150 fire-related incidents were recorded between 18th August and 18th September 2025.
Hon. Sialubalo commended instructors at the National Fire Service Training School for their professionalism and appealed to the public to respect firefighters and safeguard their equipment. He warned that any acts of violence or vandalism against firefighters would not be tolerated.
The Minister encouraged the new officers to focus on community engagement and prevention as critical tools in emergency management, particularly given the risks posed by climate change and other hazards.
The ceremony concluded with Hon. Sialubalo officially closing Recruit Course Intake 70/2025, congratulating the graduands, and urging them to embrace lifelong learning as they serve the nation.
This milestone marks a significant step in Zambia’s effort to enhance fire and rescue services, strengthen public safety, and develop a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to emergencies nationwide.