The government of Japan has provided equipment worth over USD 84,000 to Maldives.
In this regard, Japan granted a second hand fire-engine, which is equivalent under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) scheme. The fire engine would be utilised for disaster preparedness and response in Maldives.
The grant contract was signed between Ambassador of Japan to Maldives Keiko Yanai and Chief Executive of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Hisan Hassan at a ceremony held in NDMA.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hisan Hassan said the vehicle was gifted by Japanese government to minimise the risks of disaster.
Meanwhile, in 2015, Japan offered a grant assistance of USD 5.5 million and, in the year 2017, a grant assistance of USD 4.6 million was offered to Maldives, to contribute in giving immediate response and aid in the event of any kind of disaster. These grant aids were utilised to enhance the capacity of fire fighting services.
The government and people of Japan expressed hope that the vehicle will benefit NDMA for effective and efficient response to fire and rescue services.