The Government of Japan has provided a new Chemical Fire Truck to the Kiribati Police Department funded through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr Eiichi Oshima will officially hand over the Chemical Fire Truck to the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Beeni Ikauea at 10.00 am on Wednesday, 1st August 2012 at Tarawa, Kiribati.

Kiribati Police Department received a total of US$102,304 in February, 2012 to procure a brand new Chemical Fire Truck which will be used to improve the management of Fire Service in Betio town in Tarawa, Kiribati. Betio town is located away from the airport where the current and only fire truck is stationed, providing essential fire service to the airport. Furthermore, it will take more than an hour for the fire truck to reach Betio in the event of a fire outbreak, therefore, it is impossible for the fire truck to save properties and lives in Betio. This project, under the GGP programme, will assist the Kiribati Police Department in improving its efficiency on preventing and controlling fires, therefore saving the lives and properties of Betio Town and nearby settlements.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Kiribati and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address human security in the daily lives of recipient communities.  It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties currently enjoyed by the governments and the peoples of Kiribati and Japan.