the goan I network
VASCO
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Councillor Nandadeep Raut on Thursday requested the State government to follow up with works on the new fire station building, after the old building was demolished some years ago after being identified as weak and dangerous structure.
Raut was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the new Quick Response Vehicle given to the Vasco Fire Station. The QRVs have been procured from MPLADS funds by former South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar.
Raut thanked Sawaikar for the QRV and said the vehicle was of utmost importance and need of the hour for Vasco.
“We have many areas in Vasco which have very narrow lanes and it becomes difficult for fire tender to access easily. This vehicle which is smaller in size can reach to the most remote location in case of an emergency.”
“Now that the vehicle has been given to this fire station, I request the State government to intervene and expedite the process of constructing a new building for the Vasco fire station,” said Raut.
He said the firefighters and equipments were removed from the old fire station building around 4 years ago and the building was demolished around two years ago, after being identified as weak and dilapidated structure.
“However the new building is yet to see the light of the day. Firefighters and their equipments are confined to an area of around 100 sq mtrs and this is not correct that people who save lives are working on such sad conditions.”
“The government must provide a good fire station to Vasco especially because there are two ministers and two MLAs all from the BJP. I request Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to instruct departments concerned and expedite work on the new fire station,” said Raut.
Vasco Fire Station incharge and senior Fire Officer Dilip Bicholkar speaking to media welcomed the arrival of the QRV and said it would benefit the Vasco fire station.
“This vehicle will help us in areas with narrow road access and densely populated areas. The vehicle has a hydraulic combo tools, fire handling equipments, fire suit, hydraulic cutter, hydraulic lifting Jack, foam tank and also has a tank with a capacity of 350 litres of mist water, which can be used to douse fire,” said Bicholkar.
