Tema, April 16, GNA -- Personnel of Ghana National Fire Service in Tema on Wednesday began a two-week mapping out exercise to rehabilitate water hydrants in the metropolis for easy accessibility during a fire outbreak. It was realised that most of them were sealed with laterite and others had structures on them.

Mr Jones E. Sarpong, Tema Regional Fire Safety Officer, who led the exercise, explained that acute water shortage in the metropolis to fight fire in inaccessible areas posed a problem to their operations. He said the metropolis had more than 100 water hydrants but had no records on those that were functioning effectively. Mr Sarpong blamed road contractors for the sealed hydrants because they covered them during construction of projects and laying of cables. He said a report would be submitted to the management of Ghana Water Company and Tema Metropolitan Assembly for action on the hydrants. Mr Sarpong appealed to estate developers to involve fire service personnel in their operations for expert advice on the location of water hydrants for easy accessibility.

Meanwhile, the personnel had given a gas cylinder repairer who operates closer to a mechanic shop two days ultimatum to stop operation to protect lives and property. It was realized that the repairer who failed to give his name did not have operation permit.