The Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has commissioned two new state-of-the-art fire trucks that are expected to enhance aviation safety at the renovated and expanded Entebbe International Airport .
This after Uganda has 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,” Gen Katumba Wamala stated at a commissioning event organized by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) ,held in Entebbe.
He congratulated the Director General and management of UCAA on this major accomplishment. And was happy to note that a big number of staff have been trained on how to operate the machines, which ensures continuity at all times.
The UCAA Director General , Mr. Fred Bamwesigye said 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.
Bamwesigye said that a total of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting staff have undergone a two weeks course in driving, operating and maintenance of the two new foam tenders. “The comprehensive training equipped them with skills to drive, operate and maintain the trucks,”he added.
The DG said that because the aviation industry in Uganda is experiencing tremendous growth, which is reflected in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers , there was need to enhance professional skills of UCAA staff to handle emergencies at the airport.
“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 explained .
He said that UCAAwill 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.)
On top of the new fire engines , 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 emergencies.
Bamweisgye informed the Minister that UCAA has made tremendous progress with the project for upgrading and expansion of Entebbe International Airport.
About the two fire engines
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 1,500liters 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.
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.
