KILIMANJARO: THE Fire and Rescue Department in Kilimanjaro Region has been strengthened following the donation of two fire engines, including a specialised rescue vehicle for responding to serious road accidents, from Germany’s City of Marburg.
The fire engines were handed over to the Kilimanjaro Regional Government on Thursday on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Department.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Moshi Municipal Council (MMC) Lord Mayor Zuberi Kidumo said the donation was a result of the cooperation between the council and the City of Marburg. He said the partnership began in 2023 and that in 2025, an MMC delegation visited Marburg, where it requested support in acquiring a fire engine.
“The City of Marburg responded to our request by providing one fire engine and today they have handed over two more. We sincerely thank the Marburg leadership for this support, which will enable the Fire and Rescue Department to carry out its duties more effectively,” Mr Kidumo said.
Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Kiseo Nzowa who represented Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, thanked the City of Marburg for the donation, describing it as a significant boost to emergency response services in the region.
“Fire engines, including specialised rescue vehicles, are essential for emergency operations. The donated vehicles will improve emergency response times and strengthen specialised high-altitude rescue services,” he said.
Mr Nzowa added that the donation would significantly enhance the department’s capacity to respond to emergencies across the region. Representing the City of Marburg, Marc-Philips Preis said the donation followed the MMC’s request and was intended to strengthen Kilimanjaro’s fire and rescue services in addressing the region’s unique geographical and logistical challenges.
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He said one of the donated vehicles is a Heavy Rescue Engine equipped with specialised tools designed for road emergencies.
“The Heavy Rescue Engine is specifically designed for road accident rescues. Unlike conventional fire engines that mainly carry water, it is equipped with specialised mobile toolboxes and advanced extrication equipment for handling vehicle collisions and other technical rescue operations,” he said.
Mr Preis added that besides the donation, fire experts from the City of Marburg will provide specialised training to Kilimanjaro fire and rescue personnel in fire ground operations, hazardous materials handling and emergency medical care during disasters.
Acting Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Jeremiah Mkomagi said the donated vehicles, particularly the specialised rescue engine, will improve the department’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies without losing valuable time.