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 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 and Mr. Takumi Iwasa, Director of the Shiga Fire Departments of Japan also attended the hand-over ceremony.

Myanmar has long experience of losing a lot of properties because of fire break-outs and they hinder the momentum of the country’s economic 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. The Ambassador pointed out in his speech the importance of upgrading Fire Services Department in capacity and facility and the Japanese Government’s support for fire fighting and disaster relief efforts provided since 1982.

The Ambassador handed over related documents to U Tin Moe, Director General of the Fire Services Department who returned with his words of thank 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.