The Government of Japan, under itsGrant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project(GGP)Scheme, hasdecided to extendassistance ofUS$122,066 forhumanitarian assistance program　for the transportation of fire service vehicles and fire hoses from Japan for strengthening the Fire Services Department of Myanmar.

H.E.Mr.Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmarand U Tin Moe, Director General of the Fire Service Department signed the grant contract on March 29, 2013.

The equipment to be granted by the GGP Scheme and to be distributed to the Fire Stations in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Patheinare:-

1) 3 Pumpers with tank
2)1 Fire Engine
3)2 Rescue Trucks
4) 1 Commander Car
5) 1 Ambulance and
6) 300 Fire Hoses

Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Pathein are densely populated cities in Myanmar and built up with residential houses, official buildings and commercial complexes. In case of fire emergency in Myanmar, it always turns into major disaster. Myanmar has long experience of losing huge properties because of fire break outs and they hinder the momemtum of the country’seconomic development. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade the facilities and capacities of Myanmar Fire Services Department to be able to tackle different kinds of blazes being occurred throughout the country.

Under such situation in Myanmar, the Government of Japan has decided to provide funding for importing the above-mentioned vehicles and equipment to be used at Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Pathein. It is expected that this assistance willprovide the people of Myanmar the safety of their properties and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.