The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is now responsible for the “inspection, maintenance and operation” of all fire hydrants across the city.
The GFS made the announcement in a statement today where it noted that it assumed the mandate at the direction of President Irfaan Ali.
In recent years, the Guyana Water Incorporated had assumed responsibility for the rehabilitation of hydrants around the city after previous disputes between the utility company and the city council about which entity had responsibility for them. The inoperability of many hydrants has impeded firefighting efforts over the years.
In its statement, the GFS also noted that to date 356 fire hydrants have been inspected following a collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Water Incorporated.
“Of the total mentioned, one hundred twenty-one (121) hydrants are fully functional but are in need of maintenance such as painting and two hundred thirty-five (235) are inoperable with one hundred eighty-two (182) requiring minor repairs and fifty-three (53) requiring major repairs,” it added.
According to the statement, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, Chief Fire Officer Kalamadeen Edoo and other officials today inspected several hydrants to assess their operability.
in 2018, GWI had reported that it had rehabilitated over 600 hydrants in the city at a cost of $25 million.
Noting that hydrants play a vital role in saving lives and property in the event of a fire, the GFS urged members of the public to do their part to ensure they remain operable and accessible at all times.
It specifically called on citizens not to block fire hydrants. “Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times,” it said. “The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire hydrants. “
Citizens were also urged to ensure fire hydrants are protected and to report incidents of vandalism to the police or the GFS.
