In a recent revelation by the Head of Public Affairs Department of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade One (ACFO) I Timothy Osafo-Afum, it has been brought to light that out of the total 1,832 water hydrants situated across the country, only 797 of them are currently operational. This concerning statistic has significant implications for fire-fighting operations nationwide.
For those unfamiliar, a water hydrant is a discharge pipe equipped with a valve and spout, allowing for the extraction of water from a water main. ACFO Osafo-Afum emphasized that a number of these water hydrants, originally installed in 1957, have now become obsolete and are experiencing malfunctions. The issues range from the inability to service certain hydrants, necessitating their replacement, to structural encroachments and operating with low pressure.
The repercussions of this situation are far-reaching, as firefighters are compelled to cover extensive distances to access water from functioning hydrants, resulting in delays when responding to emergencies. ACFO Osafo-Afum underscored the regional distribution of non-operational water hydrants, shedding light on the specific areas affected by this critical issue.
To address this pressing concern, the GNFS has intensified its collaboration with the Ghana Water Company Limited to ensure the continuous flow of water in hydrants during emergencies. Additionally, proposals have been submitted to the government to procure more water tankers in order to bolster the operational capacity of the Service.
Furthermore, the GNFS has forged partnerships with non-governmental organizations to facilitate the construction of boreholes, particularly in rural areas, with the aim of ensuring consistent water supply. ACFO Osafo-Afum also made a fervent appeal to institutions and communities to construct water reservoirs, offering a dependable resource for the GNFS during firefighting efforts.
In light of these developments, ACFO Osafo-Afum urged Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies to take proactive measures to prevent the construction of structures on water hydrants. He also called upon the public to assume responsibility for safeguarding water hydrants within their communities, underscoring the pivotal role they play in ensuring effective firefighting capabilities.
In conclusion, ACFO Osafo-Afum stressed the imperative of a robust partnership between communities and the GNFS to mitigate fire outbreaks. He cautioned against the devastating impact of fires on both property and human resources, reiterating the unwavering commitment of the GNFS to diligently work towards reducing fire incidents across the country.
-source ghanaiantimes | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
