Spain’s Municipality of Murcia donates two firefighting trucks to Mariental

Staff Reporter

THE Municipal Council of Murcia in Spain recently donated two firefighting trucks to the Mariental Municipality.

Speaking at the official handover, the Ambassador of Spain to Namibia, Alberto De La Calle, highlighted the purpose of the donation in assisting Mariental to combat fire-related damages, particularly amidst Namibia’s challenges with climate change and drought.

“Under the current weather circumstances, the Municipality of Mariental is particularly vulnerable to potential disasters and fire outbreaks. We are confident that these vehicles, with advanced capabilities, will significantly bolster Mariental’s firefighting resources, reinforcing the security and protection of the community,” the ambassador said.

Dirk Cloete, Mariental’s Chief of the Fire Department, also expressed confidence in the trucks’ readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies, particularly in informal settlements susceptible to fires due to highly flammable materials and narrow roads.

“We will be able to reach the shack fires in the required time,” Cloete assured.

He revealed that the two rapid response trucks are equipped with water, fire foam, power generators, and personal safety equipment.

Also speaking at the handover ceremony of the firefighting trucks, the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, expressed gratitude to Spain for the donation. She also urged the community of Mariental to look after the new firefighting trucks, especially given the important role the trucks will play in emergencies.

“This partnership between the two municipal councils allows for more sharing of experiences on effective actions needed to reduce mortality, damage to infrastructure, and the environment due to these types of disasters,” Nawases-Taeyele added.