By Rex Mphisa and Patience Gondo
THE Municipality of Beitbridge (MoB) has said lack of fire hydrants in the town is adversely affecting fire-fighting emergencies in the border town.
Some residents have however asked how the presence of hydrants would help in a dry town without water.
Fire hydrants are points where Fire Tenders can refill water during their fire-fighting exercise and should be strategically located throughout the town ideally in every street.
Reacting to a fire that extensively damaged the late Mr Aram Muleya’s,house in Acacia Drive on Monday MoB said it could have performed better if hydrants were dotted around town.
Ironically it is the MoB expected to install the same hydrants it is in need of and only one exists at the donated fire station.
But it has no water.
MoB said it responded within three minutes but had to drive away twice to rehydrate the Fire Tender using a total of 12 000 litres to completely extinguish Monday’s inferno.
“The Municipality of Beitbridge regrets to inform the public of a severe fire incident that occurred today , March 02 2026, at property number 326 Acacia Drive, Low Density. Our Fire and Rescue Services received an emergency call via the municipal hotline at 1332 hrs from a resident,” MoB said in a statement.
“The fire team responded with immediate effect, arriving at the scene at 1335 hrs. Upon arrival, the crew observed that the roof of the main 8-roomed building had already collapsed, with the structure fully engulfed in a heavy blaze.”
The Red Lion fire tender was deployed to combat the inferno. Due to the absence of fire hydrants in the immediate vicinity, our teams were required to conduct two additional trips to refill the 5000-litre tender at the water treatment plan, said MoB.
“A total of 12,000 litres of water was utilized to completely extinguish the flames and prevent further spread to neighbouring properties.While we are relieved to report no loss of life, the material damage is extensive,” said the statement signed by Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola.
The statement said seven of the eight rooms were destroyed and only one room was salvaged.
Four familes including clearing agent Alexander Gumbo had all their property completely destroyed.
“Total Loss: Three of these families have lost all their possessions, including critical identification
documents,” said MoB.
It said initial investigations by fire officers suggestt the blaze may have been caused by an electrical short circuit originating from a wall socket.
“A comprehensive technical report will be submitted through the standard official channels in due course. The Municipality extends its deepest sympathy to the affected families during this difficult time,” said MoB.
“We urge all residents to remain vigilant regarding electrical safety and to ensure that all wiring and appliances are regularly inspected by qualified technicians to prevent such tragedies. In the event of a fire, regardless of the scale, we encourage residents to report immediately through our dedicated fire,” MoB said.
Ziyah News Network arrived at the scene slightly after the MoB Fire Tender arrived and witnessed firemen battling the inferno after tye roof had carved in.
A firefighter said after seeing most rooms had bee damaged extensively the cut the fire from spreading to the only room salvaged.
Neighbours in the area tried to assist but were rendered helpless by the heat from the huge fire enveloping the house.
“But yes even if there were hydrants, they would be dry considering the town is struggling with its water supply,” remarked a resident after MoB’s widely circulated statement.
Residents in Ward 2 where the house is located had started crowd funding and providing immediate assistance to the affected families.
Some donated maize-meal cooking oil, blankets and almost anything to affected families who shared the house.
Another resident donated accomodation in two rooms for up to a month.