Fire safety in Samoa received a tremendous boost yesterday evening thanks to the Australian government.
As part of Samoa’s implementation of its Fourth National Adaptation Programme of Action (N.A.P.A 4), the Australian government handed over a package of assistance to Samoa during a ceremony held in Apia.
The package of assistance included:
• Two trucks through the NAPA, a 1996 Isuzu NPS 300 and 1987 Isuzu FSR 550 (These rural fire trucks will fight forest fires) • One Scania Fire Truck donated by the Melbourne Fire and Emergency Services Board through the Collaborative deed with Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A).
<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
According to Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sue Langford, the handover of the trucks and some associated protective equipment is an example of the enduring and constructive partnership between Australia and Samoa.
“Australia provided 4.9 million Tala to the Government of Samoa, from Australia’s “International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative”, to help Samoa implement its Fourth National Adaption Programme of Action or NAPA 4. Part of that grant has funded two of these trucks.”
Given the predicted severity of El Nino conditions for Samoa including the already declared meteorological drought, these fire trucks and equipment will assist the Fire and Emergency Services Authority in their response efforts to address threats and risks posed by extreme weather events in the coming months, including fire hazards”.
“In the past few years, Australia has also funded the Maota Fire Station and Asau Fire Station in Savaii. Australia has also supported Samoa’s National Forest Fire Management Strategy.”
“Australia recognizes the importance of Samoa’s efforts to protect its community, especially at a time when extreme weather conditions can increase the risk of events such as local and forest fires that will threaten livelihoods and people’s lives.”
“I am confident the men and women serving Samoa through the Fire and Emergency around Samoa will continue to work hard and effectively, making good use of these trucks to protect the people and communities of this beautiful country.”
In his response, Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo thanked the government of Australia for the financial assistance that enabled Samoa to procure the 2 fire trucks under the NAPA 4 program of action.
He also thanked the Melbourne Fire and Emergency Services Board.
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}