KUCHING, March 10: All fire hydrants located in 3rd Mile Old Market are set to be upgraded by the middle of the year.
Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said the existing older fire hydrants hidden underground will be upgraded to the regular red fire hydrants.
“The upgrading of the fire hydrants has been included in the Fire and Rescue Department’s (Bomba) project list and is expected to be carried out by the middle of this year,” she said in a statement today.
According to Yong, it is very crucial for fire hydrants to be able to function well in all areas so that when a fire breaks out, the risks and loss of property can be minimised.
She pointed out that when a fire broke out at the 3rd Mile Old Market in November last year, firefighting was delayed because the fire hydrants were hidden underground, and thus, could not be found.
“When fire hydrants are hidden underground and have no red stand-up barrels like regular fire hydrants, it would be difficult for firefighters to locate them when a fire breaks out,” she said.
She also hopes that Bomba could conduct regular inspections of the fire hydrants in all areas on a regular basis to ensure that they function well during emergencies.
Yesterday (March 9), Yong made a visit to 3rd Mile Old Market together with Bomba personnel to understand the issue personally.
At present, all seven fire hydrants located within the vicinity of the bazaar are in good working condition. — DayakDaily
