Home Gen Katumba Wamala commissions new fire fighting trucks at Entebbe Airport

Gen Katumba Wamala commissions new fire fighting trucks at Entebbe Airport

The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala has commissioned two state of the art fire fighting trucks at Entebbe International Airport.

Speaking during the function, Gen Katumba said with the country having successfully gone through two back to back international safety and security audits but is also is implementing Corrective Action Plans in preparation for future audits, which check on the level of compliance with international standard and recommended practices, the new trucks will go a long way in ensuring safety.

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“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,” the minister said.

The trucks

The two new trucks have special features, including a specialized chassis and ability to carry a heavy load of water and foam.

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.

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.

Gen Katumba Wamala said in order 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 ae now highly minimized which is great news for the industry.”

He congratulated the UCAA Director General and UCAA management upon the accomplishment.

The UCAA  Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said 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,” Bamwesigye said.

He noted that UCAA 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).

Bamwesigye mentioned that 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.

Adopted from: The Nile Post October 23, 2024