The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has acquired two new state-of-the-art major foam tenders, to improve safety at Entebbe International Airport.
The Falcon 6×6 specialized Chassis fire trucks were supplied by the East African Distributors Ltd of the Madhvani group, who are the sole distributors of NAFFCO products in Uganda.
The authority’s Director General, Fred K. Bamwesigye said a total of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting staff recently undertook a two weeks course in driving, operation and maintenance of the two new foam tenders.
The comprehensive training equipped them with skills to drive, operate and maintain the trucks.
The acquisition was recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
“The aviation industry in Uganda is experiencing tremendous growth, which is reflected in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers hence the need to enhance professional skills for manpower that can handle emergencies,” he noted.
He stressed that as the industry grows with advances in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become more complicated and challenging, thus the need to train and equip personnel with the knowledge and skills to match with the emerging technologies in fire and marine operations in order to ably handle such challenges once they occur at the airport.
Bamwesigye said the Authority will continue to invest in research, equipment and staff training to meet with the required safety, security, response timelines and Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as stipulated by the International Civil Organization (ICAO).
UCAA has previously acquired new fire-fighting boats and other equipment, and regularly trained and equipped staff with skills in water fire-fighting and rescue missions.
The airport is currently equipped with the required professional personnel and modern equipment to respond to any emergency.
“We have also made tremendous progress with the project for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport. In specific terms, the new terminal building is expected to be completed by the end of this year,” he noted.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, commissioned the two state-of-the-art fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport.
He was flanked by the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama.
They also inspected the ongoing construction of the new terminal building, which is now 74% complete.
Katumba commended the quality of work so far and expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made by the contractor.
