EKantipur.com
KATHMANDU, Nepal — The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) received two new fire engines along with a rescue van and rescue operation materials from Bozen-Bolzano city of Italy. With this, the KMC boasts six fire engines.
Earnest Prayer, chief of the fire brigade of the Italian city, on Sunday handed over the fire fighting materials to KMC chief Kedar Bahadur Adhikari amid a function in the Capital. The KMC received a 30-metre long ladder, which can be used in extinguishing fire in tall buildings and a fire fighting foam of 400 litres.
The metropolitan city also received a large fire engine with the capacity of storing 2,200 litres of water and a small fire engine capable of carrying 400 litres. The small one is suitable to fight fire on narrow roads of Kathmandu, mainly in the old settlements.
A heavy and light rescue truck and a jeep to carry out rescue operations during natural calamities and fire were also donated to the KMC. The truck is equipped with latest hydraulic apparatus along with a crane, which can be used to rescue the victims trapped in big houses. “With these equipment we are planning to start rescue operations besides extinguishing fire in the city,” said KMC chief Adhikari.
Apart from this, Italy has also gifted jackets, boots, and water pipes along with other equipment used in cutting pipes and iron while putting out fire and carrying out rescue operations.
Besides six fire fighters, the KMC also owns two ladders, three rescue trucks and jeeps and other equipment, among others.
According to Adhikari, the KMC plans to set up five stations in the city from where fire engines will be operated. Two stations will be operating very soon. Lack of fire engine services during disasters coupled with mismanagement of fire engine operation and narrow streets has been making the matter worse.
“We are operating two stations in New Baneshwor and Balaju in the near future,” Adhikari said. “The 20th metropolis council held recently decided to better the fire engine services. The process of setting up two operating stations is underway.”
KMC has decided to charge Rs 100 per household every year for the fire engine service from the current fiscal year.
“We are going to impose a levy of Rs 100 on each household annually under the heading of fire engine service,” said Adhikari. “The amount collected from the fire engine levy will be used for natural disaster management,” he said.
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