HAND-OVER CEREMONY OF FIRE ENGINES AND FIRE HOSES OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT’S GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR GRASSROOTS HUMAN SECURITY PROJECTS SCHEME NAMELY “THE PROJECT FOR STRENGTHENING OF MYANMAR FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT” WAS HELD IN NAY PYI TAW

The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended the assistance of US$122,066 for humanitarian assistance program for importation of second hand fire service vehicles and fire hoses for strengthening the Fire Services Department of Myanmar.

The second hand equipment donated by Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy(SPJD), Japan Myanmar Association for Culture & Economic Exchange(JMACE) and importation cost granted by the GGP Scheme includes:

1) 3 Pumpers with tank
2) 1 Fire Engine
3) 2 Rescue Trucks
4) 1 Commander Car
5) 1 Ambulance and
6) 1150 Fire Hoses

Hand-over ceremony of the said equipment was held at Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC) in Nay Pyi Taw on July 9, 2013 and it was attended by H.E. Lt-Gen Ko Ko, Union Minister for Home Affairs and H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador of Japan. Mr. Osamu Uno, Chairman of JMACE also attended the hand-over ceremony together with the invited guests and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Fire Service Department.

The Union Minister Lt-Gen Ko Ko mentioned in his speech that 70% of the disasters occurred in Myanmar every year is due to fire break-outs and therefore Myanmar is trying to improve Fire Services Department. He expressed his thanks to the Japanese people and the government for donating the needy fire vehicles and hoses.

The Ambassador pointed out in his key note that in the field of Fire Service, Disaster Prevention and Rescue Activities, it is important to share Japanese experience and lessons learnt with as many concerned counterparts as possible. Thus, Japanese Government would like to continue its cooperation furthermore.

The Ambassador handed over related documents to U Tin Moe, Director General of the Fire Services Department who returned with his words of thanks to the Japanese government and its people.

It is expected that this assistance will provide the people of Myanmar the safety of their properties and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.