KARACHI: Administrator Karachi Iftikhar Ali Shallwani on Thursday deplored that the multi-million rupee fire tenders and snorkels gifted by Japan in 2017 to the Karachi are in deplorable condition, due to the negligence of KMC fire brigade department.

He expressed disenchantment over the poor maintenance of the heavy machinery and directed the department concerned to take care of the assets.

"It is very sad that fire brigade was unable to take care of the gift it got just three years ago," he added.

He directed Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's finance department to release salaries of lower grade employees in the first phase while officers will be paid in second phase.

Lower ranked employees rely heavily on their salaries and they should be given relief so that they could perform their duties in effective manner. The Administrator said this while visiting central fire station here. Shallwani was briefed with fire brigades measures and was also apprised for issues being faced by the fire fighters.

He said that there is dire need of huge fire fighting system in a big city like Karachi as the fire brigade has to be on its toes all time having the required equipments and vehicles. Any lethargy in this regard could prove to be very dangerous.

Expressing displeasure over parking of dysfunctional vehicles, Shallwani directed the chief fire officer to scrap them to keep the centre clean.

The Administrator said that more fire tenders would be provided by the government that would surely increase the capacity of fire brigade. He directed the chief fire officer to compile inventory list of vehicles to ascertain the cause of their failure and required funds to make them functional.

Hailing fire fighters, Shallwani said that they work with bravery, dedication and courage despite having limited facilities.

It may be noted here that KMC's fire brigade had taken part in rescue works in Kashmir and Balakot in 2005 for which seven of its officers were awarded "Tamgha e Shuja'at".

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020