North Town to Have More Fire Hydrants

Specific areas in the Labasa Town central business district have been identified by the National Fire Authority (NFA) for the installation of additional fire hydrants.

NFA chief executive officer, Puamau Sowane said they understood the massive fire that engulfed seven shops in Labasa town led to calls by the public for more provision of hydrants.

The fire on August 29, last year, left seven shops on the main street of Labasa destroyed in minutes, leaving many residents questioning

why none of the shops were saved from the blazes.

Mr Sowane said efforts into identification and recommendation to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) were underway.

To meet this additional installation, NFA confirmed they had to look at the specifications of distance to ensure these hydrants did not disturb   any commercial space.

“We have identified some fire hydrants and given our report to the WAF teams for their implementation,” he said.

Paid Advertisement|March 24

Facilitation

The facilitation process will now rely on the WAF to fast track this identification and installation.

He said they were aware of the issue with limited fire hydrants available in the northern town.

“We are trying to address this problem with assistance from WAF,” he said.

Labasa Ratepayers Association president Paul Jaduram said this installation would lead to improved fire containment efforts by NFA.

“More businesses can be saved with ample hydrants ready to control a fire, so the business and commercial landscape of Labasa will be safe,” he said.

During the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Labasa last September, businessman Sameet Gohli raised this issue.

Mr Gohli, who is the director for Janta Tek Limited, said there was only one hydrant available along Nasoi Lane.

This lane is considered one of the two back streets of Labasa Town.

“In the future if nothing is done and we remain dependent on one fire hydrant, there is a high probability that none of the shops would be spared from escaping potential fire,” he said.

Similar sentiments were shared by members of the Labasa Business Chamber as the last fire left scars on a once thriving line of businesses, which catered to the food and clothing needs of people.

Labasa Chamber president Vinesh Dayal also took onboard the idea that he plans to emphasise for further discussion.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj