BY NED GAGAHE
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Fire Service has received a major boost to its emergency response capability following the handover of three fire trucks yesterday donated by Japan.
The donation includes two pump truck carriers from Gojome Town in Japan, which will be deployed to Gizo in Western Province and Auki in Malaita Province, while a third fire truck gifted by the Matsudo Fire Department will be stationed in Honiara.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Director Supervising of the RSIPF Fire Service, James Ketaru, expressed gratitude to Gojome Town and the Matsudo Fire Department for their generous support.
Mr Ketaru said the donated vehicles will significantly enhance the Fire Service’s mobility and operational readiness in responding to fires and emergencies across the country.
“The gifting of this fire trucks will support our firefighters in executing the aims and objectives of the RSIPF Fire Service, which are to save lives, protect properties, and render humanitarian services,” he said.
He added that the availability of the fire trucks will enable firefighters to reach communities and citizens in need of assistance more effectively and efficiently.
“The donation will upgrade our mobility readiness and strengthen our capacity to respond to fire and emergency situations as expected by the public,” Mr Ketaru said.
He assured the donors that the fire trucks will be used for their intended purpose and help provide effective and efficient services to save lives and protect the properties of Solomon Islanders.
Mr Ketaru also expressed hope for continued cooperation with Japan, including future training opportunities for local firefighters.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Keiichi Higuchi, said Japan is honoured to support life-saving services in Solomon Islands through the donation.
“I am honoured and delighted to represent the Government and the people of Japan at this handing-over ceremony with representatives of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, particularly the Fire Services,” Ambassador Higuchi said.
He said Japan has long sought ways to support life-saving activities in Solomon Islands and described the handover as another milestone in the strong partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Higuchi said, the donation is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme.
He revealed that on November 11, 2024, Japan signed an agreement for the Project for Procurement of Second-hand Fire Trucks for Honiara City and three provinces in Solomon Islands, with grant funding amounting to USD$89,705, equivalent to approximately SBD$747,500.
Through the project, Japan provided three second-hand fire trucks equipped with firefighting equipment to strengthen firefighting and emergency response capacities in the communities where they will be deployed.
One truck will remain in Honiara to support rapid emergency responses in the capital and surrounding areas, while the other two will serve communities in Auki and Gizo.
Ambassador Higuchi encouraged the Fire Service to maintain the vehicles properly to ensure they continue providing reliable service for many years.
“I hope these resources will be kept in good condition through proper maintenance and put to good use so they contribute to safer, faster and more reliable responses during emergencies,” he said.
He added that Japan’s Grassroots Projects programme aims to improve access to essential services and strengthen community safety throughout Solomon Islands.
“It is my sincere hope that these fire engines will be put to good use by the well-trained officers of the Fire Services during times of fire disasters. Equally, I hope this project will further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands for many years to come,” Ambassador Higuchi said.
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