Our Correspondent
Marondera residents have come out guns blazing over a malfunctioning fire tender.
This has resulted in the local authority relying on Harare in case of fire outbreaks.
Last week, more than 20 vehicles were burnt to ashes at a garage, about a stone’s throw away from the fire brigade department.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
The fire brigade was called to douse the inferno but could not as the fire tender vehicle had a fault.
Council had to beg the City of Harare for backup with the fire tender only arriving after two hours.
Marondera Residents Open Forum (MAROF) director Tapiwa Chengeta said council should be held accountable over the incident.
“As residents, we cannot sit back and relax when council is not protecting ratepayers. “Each time they are parting with their hard earned cash.
“More than 20 vehicles were burnt to ashes just near the fire brigade offices but they had no vehicle.
“We will make sure that council is held accountable for the loses as it is its duty to ensure that fires are dealt with,” he said.
Council, thorough its spokesperson Kudakwashe Tapfumaneyi, confirmed the incident and admitted that the fire tender vehicle was out of service.