Life saving gift from Japan

By Deidre Tautua – Fanene 17 February 2018, 12:00AM

Japan has presented two firefighting trucks and an ambulance to the Samoa Fire Emergency Service Authority (S.F.E.S.A.).

The project was made possible through Japan’s grant aid for Economic and Social Development Programme, signed in April 2016 between Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and former Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta.

The agreement promised a grant of two million Japanese Yen, about SAT$47,167.

During the handover, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki, said the grant was then divided equally among two projects; fire trucks for S.F.E.S.A. and dental and medical equipment for the National Health Services.

“The two firefighting trucks consist of one firefighting truck with 30m ladder which is the first of its kind to be added in the S.F.E.S.A. fleet, and one firefighting pumper truck with water tank,” he said.

“In addition, the 30m ladder firefighting truck will solve the problem of reducing and mitigating the effects of fire outbreak in tall buildings or in such case with the fuel tank explosion at Matautu wharf.

“Moreover, through this assistance, not only S.F.E.S.A. received additional firefighting trucks, but also the trainings from Japanese engineers on the operation and maintenance of these firefighting trucks.

“This is the second time Japan assisted S.F.E.S.A. with providing firefighting trucks, four used firefighting trucks were initially provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project in 2015.”

He also reiterated the importance of the role of S.F.E.S.A. in which they are the first to respond during any disaster or emergency therefore, it is essential that they are provided with efficient resources to carry out their duties. 

“Japan has been working in partnership with the Samoan Government since 1977 to further develop such economic and social development projects in Samoa.”

Tuilaepa acknowledges the support of the Government of Japan to the people of Samoa.

“The Government and people of Samoa acknowledge with gratitude the government and the people of Japan for your assistance in financing the procurement of the firefighting aerial truck and the truck with a tank,” he said.

“This assistance was made possible under the Japan’s Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme for the independent state of Samoa for the financial year 2015.

“Thank you Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki for assisting with our request and ensuring that these specialised vehicles are delivered as agreed.

“S.F.E.S.A. could not have made it without your support, so thank you very much.

“I also acknowledge the support of Cabinet and Ministry of Finance for the work of F.E.S.A. particularly financing for the new ambulance vehicle which will further strengthen the response capacity of the authority relative to medical emergencies.

“These specialised vehicles are anticipated to add value to the work of the authority in the areas of fire suppression and medical emergency particularly affecting the multi building in Apia.

“We continue to look forward to future partnerships with the Government of Japan under its grant aid.”

By Deidre Tautua – Fanene 17 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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