Need to increase fire stations: mayor

He appealed the Sindh government to equip the Karachi Fire Department with modern machinery

KARACHI: Firefighters are the city's real heroes who risk their own lives to save the lives of others, said Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar while speaking to the Karachi Fire Department officials on the occasion of International Firefighters Day on Monday.

"Despite the unfavourable conditions in Karachi and the lack of resources, our firefighters have been fulfilling their responsibilities wholeheartedly, with many having sacrificed their lives in the line of duty," said Akhtar.

He claimed that, keeping in mind the city's population, increasing the number of fire stations is inevitable and necessary. He further appealed to the Sindh government to equip the Karachi Fire Department with modern machinery and safety kits, pointing out that the metropolis needed a better and more efficient fire fighting system.

According to Akhtar, expanding the Fire Department's services in the city would only be possible when the department is fully equipped.

He did concede, however, that better and more efficient steps are being taken under the Annual Development Programme, which includes funds for the provision of required machinery, instruments and equipment to firefighters.

Akhtar further maintained that the availability of proper safety arrangements, emergency exits and fire fighting installations in the markets, factories, buildings and hospitals should be ensured through a survey.

Following this, every citizen should be given first aid training and fire safety training, which would teach them how to safely exit a location in the event of fire, he claimed, adding that separate institutes should be established to provide these trainings.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2020.