Non-existent fire hydrants put extensions at risk

By REBECCA KUKU
NEW Erima, Nine-Mile, ATS and Taurama are high-risk fire areas in Port Moresby, says Acting Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo.
He said new extensions to the city, including New Erima, Wildlife, 8-Mile, 9-Mile and Taurama, did not have any fire hydrants.
“The homes, buildings and schools in these new extensions of the city are at high risk,” Ross said.
“If a home or school in this area catches fire, we won’t be able to put it out because there is no fire hydrants there.” Roo said fire hydrants were like water taps that provided water to fire trucks; the fire trucks then used the water to hose down houses or buildings on fire.
“It is important that there should be one fire hydrant placed every 100m in these areas,” he said.
Roo said that all stakeholders should work together to ensure that the city had enough fire hydrants.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said it was a serious issue given all the developments taking place in the city and the prospect for the future. “We need to resolve this matter as soon as possible so that we do not regret in future,” he said.
Parkop called on PNG Fire Service and Eda Ranu to cooperate to ensure that the vital equipment was installed in various parts of the National Capital District.