New vehicles, boats boost F.E.S.A. resources
The resources of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been given a major boost after they secured additional rescue trucks and boats thanks to a donation originating from Japan.
Thanks to a grant of up to US$140,120 (approximately WST$336,000) courtesy of the Embassy of Japan, three reconditioned ambulances, a rescue truck and two new boats will be procured and shipped to Samoa.
The reconditioned vehicles were previously used by public organisations in Japan with the Society of the Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy responsible for their shipping.
FESA Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga told the Samoa Observer in a telephone interview on Saturday that the vehicles being shipped over include three ambulances, a rescue truck, and two boats.
He said the vehicles have been kitted with rescue gear to ensure their response is effective when needed.
"We do have one (rescue truck) but it’s getting to the stage that would need a replacement," Tanuvasa said.
The procurement of the three ambulances will expand the fleet of the nation’s sole ambulance service provider with Tanuvasa indicating that the authority gets five to six public calls for assistance in a day.
He said with the FESA owned vehicles used on a daily basis, the wear and tear during their use will eventually have an impact, which Tanuvasa says is why they should have backup equipment including vehicles.
The last time the authority had boats was in 2005 and 2006 which he says justifies the need for the vessels to ensure the continuity of their service.
The overall goal of the F.E.S.A. is to continue to provide a quality service and a partnership with the Embassy of Japan enables them to continue to increase their workers' skills according to Tanuvasa.
But he said the training has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
When asked about the state of the vehicles that the authority currently uses, the Commissioner said they have a few vehicles that are currently in good condition.
Tanuvasa revealed that the long-term plan of the authority is to set up F.E.S.A. stations around the country.