LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-MPICO, a subsidiary of Old Mutual Malawi on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 conducted a drilling fire emergency drilling exercise at Gateway Mall in the capital in preparation for accidents incidences.

Although the exercise created a fire scare at Gateway Mall which prompted panic among patrons, turned out to be a drill exercise.

Emergency responders, including firefighters from Lilongwe City Council (LCC) and Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) corroborated well during the drilling.

MPICO’s Head of Property Services Eliot Jambo said the exercise aimed to prepare stakeholders for emergency situations like fires.

He commended the effective response to a simulated fire drill conducted at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe.

Jambo therefore expressed satisfaction with how the drill was handled.

LCC fire officer Lawrence Gangile demonstrated the council’s readiness to respond to such calls.

However Gangile disclosed that the council currently has only one operational fire engine with three others grounded due to minor issues.

But he assured city dwellers of adequate resources including vehicles and expertise to respond to emergencies.

The exercise, which involved responding to a mock fire, tested the readiness and coordination of emergency services.

During the drill, the Lilongwe City Council and MASM responded promptly, showing their preparedness for real-life emergencies.

And on his part, Lawrence Gangile, Fire Officer at Lilongwe City Council has disclosed that the council has adequate resources, including vehicles, to respond to emergencies across the city.