The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a significant alert following a comprehensive inspection of 23 fire hydrants located within the Ministries enclave in Accra, a region designated as a critical strategic area for fire prevention and response. The inspection, conducted in collaboration with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and the Greater Accra Regional Fire Command, revealed a concerning situation with approximately 30 fire hydrants present, but only five exhibiting fully functional water pressure – a stark contrast to the remaining 23, all of which were identified as non-functional.
The investigation, initiated as part of a proactive initiative to bolster firefighting preparedness across Accra, uncovered a disturbing pattern. While five hydrants were operating at peak pressure, demonstrating high water flow, two others suffered from consistently low water pressure, indicating a significant operational deficit.
The inspection team, led by ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, emphasized the critical importance of addressing this issue. The GNFS stated that the lack of functional hydrants poses a substantial risk during fire emergencies, potentially hindering effective firefighting operations.
Specifically, the team discovered that the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) had no fire hydrant on its premises, adding another layer of concern. This oversight was flagged by the Service, prompting a call for collaboration between the GNFS and Ghana Water Limited to facilitate the installation of a fire hydrant at the CAGD facility. The inspection encompassed a broad spectrum of government institutions within the Ministries enclave, including the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ministries of Transport, Roads and Highways, Energy and Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Health Service (GHS), National Lottery Authority (NLA), the Court Complex, and the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to the GNFS, restoring these non-functional hydrants will significantly enhance emergency response capabilities within the area. The agency emphasizes that this proactive measure is vital to safeguarding lives and property in the event of fire outbreaks, ensuring a more robust and effective fire safety system.
The inspection, a significant investment in preventative measures, underlines the importance of maintaining adequate water supply infrastructure throughout Accra, particularly in areas critical for fire safety.
This issue highlights a systemic vulnerability within the region’s firefighting infrastructure, demanding immediate attention and a coordinated effort to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of residents and assets within the Ministries enclave.
This situation underscores the critical need for regular maintenance and upgrades of fire hydrants across the region, mitigating the potential for devastating consequences during a fire event.
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Source: TV3
