The minister of works and transport Gen. Katumba Wamala has today commissioned the new fire Trucks at Entebbe international Airport.
The commissioned two new state-of-the-art Fire Trucks are expected to enhance aviation safety at Entebbe international airport.
Gen Katumba while addressing the gathering said that Uganda has just successfully gone through two back-to-back international safety and security audits, and is implementing Corrective Action Plans in preparation for future audits, which check on the level of compliance with international standards and recommended practices.
“I am glad to note that acquisition of the two new Fire-Trucks will go a long way in ensuring that Entebbe International Airport maintains and even surpasses the international fire Category 9” he confirmed adding that the two new trucks have special features, including a specialized chassis and ability to carry a heavy load of water and foam.
He added that One of them, Tango 21 has carrying capacity of 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while Tango 22 has water carrying capacity of 10,500 liters, and high reach extendable turrets meant for piercing the aircraft body in case need arises however the two trucks also have a foam induction system that draws foam direct from the drums. In addition, they have great performance, with a throw range of 100 meters.
“To maintain the operating Category 9 for Entebbe International Airport, the regulations require having 24,300 liters of water on wheels. These two new Fire-Trucks have a combined capacity of 23,000 liters, yet there are already several other existing fire-trucks in operation, which means that the chances of the Fire category going below the recommended level are now highly minimized., which is great news for the industry” Gen Katumba noted.
He further congratulated the management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on this major accomplishment.
Meanwhile Uganda civil aviation authority Director General, Fred Bamwesigye applauded the minister of works and transport of a successful commissioning of two 2 new state-of-the-art fire trucks.
Bamwesigye noted that the Falcon 6×6 specialized Chassis fire trucks were supplied by the East African Distributors Ltd of the Madhvani group, who are the sole distributors of NAFFCO products in Uganda.
A total of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting staff recently undertook a two weeks course in driving, operation and maintenance of the 2 new foam tenders.
” The comprehensive training equipped them with skills to drive, operate and maintain the trucks” Bamwesigye said.
He added that the aviation industry in Uganda is experiencing tremendous growth, which is reflected in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers hence the need to enhance professional skills for manpower that can handle emergencies.
“As the industry grows with advances in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become more complicated and challenging, thus the need to train and equip personnel with the knowledge and skills to match with the emerging technologies in fire and marine operations in order to ably handle such challenges once they occur at the airport” He added
He also said that the Authority will continue to invest in research, equipment and staff training to meet with the required safety, security, response timelines and Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as stipulated by the International Civil Organization (ICAO).
UCAA has previously acquired new fire-fighting boats and other equipment, and regularly trained and equipped staff with skills in water fire-fighting and rescue missions.
The airport is currently equipped with the required professional personnel and modern equipment to respond to any emergency.
Bamwesigye also said that the expansion of In specific terms, the new terminal building, which is the major pending sub component of the project is at percent and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
