Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Tuesday, handed over four rapid response vehicles and a 12,000-liter capacity water tanker (new) to the State Fire Service, to aid its operations of fire-fighting in the state, especially this dry season.
Presenting the vehicles to the State Chief Fire Officer, Okwudiri Ohaa, on behalf of Ugwuanyi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said that the state government procured the vehicles to enhance the work of the Enugu State Fire Service.
Ortuanya noted that Ugwuanyi’s administration, in recognition of the importance of an effective and efficient fire service in safeguarding lives and property, had earlier constructed five ultra modern fire service stations across the three senatorial districts of the state, after 56 years such life-saving infrastructure were built in the state.
He added that the state government had also procured five IVM fire-fighting trucks for the five fire service stations. He added that the newly procured rapid response vehicles and the water tanker handed over to the agency were timely in view of the harmattan season.
“It is, therefore, to the glory of God and in the interest of our state and humanity that I, on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, inaugurate these rapid response vehicles and also perform the formal hand over of these vehicles to the Enugu State Fire Service”, Prof. Ortuanya said.
Speaking after receiving the vehicles , the Chief Fire Officer, Ohaa expressed the agency’s deep appreciation to Ugwuanyi for the type of attention the governor pays to the service to ensure that they discharge their duties effectively, professionally and efficiently, saying: “There is never a time we received this type of support in the past”.
Ohaa disclosed that the state government has approved the procurement of additional water tanker for the State Fire Service, and promised the governor and the people of Enugu State that the fire-fighting agency will not disappoint them but, “We will do our best to make sure that lives and property of our people are protected”.
Ohaa had earlier in the day led his team to Ogbete Main Market, Enugu and Timber Market in commencement of the scheduled public enlightenment campaign in the markets to sensitize traders on how to prevent fire outbreak during this dry season.
Ohaa said that a mini fire-fighting truck was stationed at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.
