Accra, June 7, GNA - The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has undertaken a survey throughout the country to determine the state of fire hydrants to enable it toa know the financial cost for the necessary resources to be sought.

The Minister of the Interior, Papa Owusu-Ankomah said this in Parliament on Tuesday in an answer to a question by Mr. Samuel Johnfia, NPP-Ahanta West as to when the Ministry would provide water hydrants at the Fire Station at Agona Ahanta.

The Minister acknowledged that fire hydrants are very critical for the management of fires in the country and that from the survey it was realised that a number of fire stations including Agona Ahanta lack fire hydrants.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said preparatory works at the fire station at Agona Nkwanta are far advanced for the provision of a hydrant. "Pipelines carrying water pass directly in front of the station, what is needed will be a connection to the station to allow for the installation of the fire hydrants, which is estimated to cost about 12 million cedis to install."

He said a request has been made to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for the necessary resources to undertake the installation at Agona Nkwanta and other places.

The Minister said the Regional Fire Officer has also approached the District Chief Executive for financial assistance for the installation of the water hydrants and appealed to MPs to provide part of their funds to acquire hydrants in their constituencies.