Mbabane: The Government of Eswatini has received a hydraulic platform worth E12.5 million from the Government of Taiwan.
The platform performs both fire fighting and rescue operations, including in high rise buildings and petrol depots and can be elevated by up to 35 metres.
When receiving the equipment, Minister of Housing and Development Prince Simelane said the equipment will be put into immediate and effective use as the department seeks to meet present day demands and to improve fire services coverage throughout the Kingdom. Specialist fire fighting vehicles are a core requirement for effective service delivery in emergency response and their timeous availability is of much importance.
Prince Simelane said the Kingdom has plans of increasing fire service coverage in the country and has embarked on an innovative approach of establishing mobile fire stations. These need to be fully equipped with the proper specialised fire fighting and rescue equipment in order for them to have the desired impact.
Economic Planning and Development Minister Dr Tambo Gina who witnessed the handover said the government of Eswatini was grateful to Taiwan for the continued commitment to the country’s development endeavours over the years.
In previous years, Taiwan supported the department in the procurement of fire fighting vehicles, ambulances and in equipping the department’s communication system, among other interventions.
In a lighter note, Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang said this was not a donation but sharing between two friends.
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