Zambia Air Service Training Institute (ZASTI) has trained 14 Emergency Response Team members (ERT) in aviation firefighting sponsored by FQM Trident limited at a cost of K275,000.
Officiating at a graduation ceremony in basic firefighting training in Kalumbila district yesterday, ZASTI principal, Brigadier General, Mathias Kyembe (Rtd) challenged the new 14 graduates to take what they have learned in their course of study and execute their duties with passion.
Brig. Gen. Kyembe said the primary purpose and task of aviation fire fighters is to conduct emergency response if any emergency occurs.
He urged the graduants to use their knowledge and skills as firemen in a powerful and privileged manner to make a difference to the lives of every single life within FQM Trident Limited and beyond.
“When an emergency takes place you are expected to quickly be able to extinguish potential ensuing fires which is paramount to giving people the best possible chance of making it safely out of the aircraft”, Brig. Gen. Kyembe said.
He said the move by FQM Trident Limited to sponsor students to train in aviation firefighting course is a model for what a vibrant institution should be in any developing country like Zambia.
And FQM Trident Limited assistant general manager, Junior Keysea said FQM has realized the importance of having a team with equipment and necessary skills to protect lives and property, adding that is this the reason why they have a full team of trained and experienced aviation fire fighters.
“FQM Trident is committed to safeguarding life and property around in our operations, surrounding communities and beyond”, Mr Keysea said.
He expressed confidence that the emergency response team will protect the community using the knowledge and skills gained to reach out, care and build a sense of fire safety that can make a positive difference in the community.
Mr Keysea said earlier they had challenges to find a right service provider and they had to go to South Africa but luckily they tumbled across ZASTI.
“To the graduating emergency response team members, you have done us proud, this is not just fulfilling for your career development but another addition to the firefighting training and safety emergency response skills attained over a period of time”, he said.
Meanwhile, emergency response acting team leader, Finniber Kaleya said, with knowledge they have acquired, they will be able to effectively provide emergency responses and rescue of passengers and aircrew in emergency cases.
Mr. Kaleya said their lecturers took time to ensuring that they acquire full knowledge in aviation firefighting hence the 90 percent pass rate.
He said the community and passengers are now covered as they can now pass safely.
Mr. Kaleya has since thanked FQM Trident Limited for the opportunity given to them to undergo a course in basic aviation firefighting training.
ZASTI has remained a shadow of itself despite having once been a pioneer in air service training. The ZASTI alumni must speak for the institution if they’re unable to offer material support. The once vibrant institution must be revived; it must outlive its pioneers. I’m ready to contribute to that cause. ZASTI must again fly the Zambian flag higher than our noble eagle in its flight. And definitely FQM must be lauded for their decision. They had an option to take their members of staff to South Africa like ZAF did not so long ago but they chose ZASTI instead. We must all support our own and for FQM this is being a good corporate citizen, Bravo!
No woman in that picture, baffikala bekabeka fye