The government of Tanzania has set aside 2 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 864,678 U.S. dollars) for procurement of fire fighting vehicles in the 2021/2022 financial year to bolster operations of the Fire and Rescue Force, an official told parliament on Wednesday.
Tanzania’s financial year started on July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Jumanne Sagini, the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, admitted in parliament in the capital Dodoma that the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force is facing a shortage of fire fighting vehicles and other equipment crippling its operations.
“The government is working hard to ensure that the Fire and Rescue Force is well equipped,” said Sagini when he responded to Esther Matiko, a Member of Parliament for special seats.
Matiko had wanted to know measures the government was taking to procure modern fire fighting vehicles in the wake of fire outbreaks that claim people’s lives and property.
Sagini said the government has prepared a strategic plan which is aimed at strengthening fire and rescue services in the country by reinforcing fire rescue operations.
“The government will continue to allocate funds each year to ensure that more modern fire fighting equipment and vehicles are procured and distributed all over the country,” he said.
