The Works and Transport Minister, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala has launched two new state-of-the-art Fire Trucks that are expected to enhance aviation safety at Entebbe International Airport as declared by the International Civil Organization (ICAO).
Falcon 6×6 specialized
Chassis fire trucks that have been commissioned were supplied by the East African Distributors Limited of the Madhvani group, who are the sole distributors of NAFFCO products in Uganda costing Shs. 10.5 b inclusive of the service maintenance for three years.
During a media briefing before the commission process, Katumba revealed that Uganda has just successfully gone through two back-to-back international safety and security audits, and currently they are implementing Corrective Action Plans in preparation for future audits, which check on the level of compliance with international standards and recommended practices.
In addition, he highlighted that the 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 two new trucks have special features, including a specialized chassis and the ability to carry a heavy load of water and foam. One of them, Tango 21, has a carrying capacity of 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while Tango 22 has a water carrying capacity of 10,500 liters and high reach extendable turrets meant for piercing the aircraft body in case the need arises,” the Works and Transport Minister noted.
Gen. Katumba also explained that the two trucks that have been commissioned also have a foam induction system that draws foam directly from the drums with a great performance to throw range of 100 meters.
He, therefore, congratulated the CAA’s director general and management on this major accomplishment, saying “It is good to know that such a big number of staff have been trained on how to operate the machines, which ensures continuity at all times.”
Fred Bamwesigye, the director general of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), revealed that a total of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting staff recently undertook a two-week course in driving, operation, and maintenance of the two new foam tenders, making them equipped with skills to drive, operate and maintain the trucks.
He also noted 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 to ably handle such challenges once they occur at the airport,” Fred Bamwesigye, the CAA’s director general said.
In addition, he remarked that the authority will continue to invest in research, equipment, and staff training to meet the required safety, security, and 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,” the director general highlighted.
To maintain the operating Category 9 for Entebbe International Airport, the regulations require having 24,300 liters of water on wheels.
The two new Fire – Trucks have a combined capacity of 23,000 liters, in addition to the 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.
Entebbe International Airport is also under the upgrade and expansion project, which is standing at 94 percent overall. The new terminal building, which is the major pending sub-component of the project is at 74 percent and is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of next year, 2025.
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