Fire hydrants in Georgetown to be repaired

Brass Aluminum & Cast-Iron Foundry Limited (BACIF) has been contracted by the Government
to rehabilitate a number of non-functional fire hydrants in Georgetown.
Junior Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Anand Persaud, said a recent
inspection found that 121 hydrants are functioning. He said another 235 are inoperable, with 53
in need of major repairs, while 182 require minor works. The minister noted that the decision to
rehabilitate the hydrants follows a direct instruction from President Irfaan Ali. A committee was
also set up for this purpose. \
Persaud along with Fire Chief, Kalamodeen Edoo, inspected several hydrants around the city on
Wednesday. He declared that the aim is to ensure that all 600 fire hydrants between Industry,
East Coast Demerara and Agricola, are functional. He noted that the inspection will continue
until all fire hydrants are assessed. “We are working assiduously everyday to ensure that
hydrants are being checked and be operationalised in the shortest possible time. I can assure you
that this committee, (is) being led by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh and he is on top of this
entire project,” Minister Persaud said.
He continued, “I want to warn drivers of motor vehicles that the law will take its course after we
erect signage and markings on the road, that fire hydrants are here and there will be no parking.”
Fire Chief Edoo said plans are in place to install additional fire hydrants in areas prone to fire,
and called on the business community to desist from blocking the devices. “During our
inspection campaign we have noticed business people take their items and block fire hydrants.
For example, we visit a few businesses place where we saw they block it with suitcases, washing
machines. We also observe that persons doing construction (are) blocking these hydrants with
debris in terms of sand, stone and cement and we are calling on the public to desist from
blocking these fire hydrants because it is there for a purpose,” Edoo said.
The minister revealed that with the massive development slated for the country, government is
investing heavily in safety. He said that with the relocation of the Central Fire Station to
Homestretch Avenue is one such investment with a $648M estimated cost. Construction of the
project is expected to commence by the end of 2021 and be completed by the end of 2022.