The HCM City Fire and Rescue Police Department and the Sài Gòn Water Supply Corporation will install 11,000 more fire hydrants by 2025 after being instructed to do so by the People’s Committee at a conference on fire hydrant management on Thursday.

The HCM City Fire and Rescue Police Department and the Sài Gòn Water Supply Corporation will install 11,000 more fire hydrants by 2025 after being instructed to do so by the People’s Committee.— Photo sggp.org.vn

There are currently 9,699 of them, though 668 are damaged. The reasons for the damage include inadequate funding for maintenance, being hit by vehicles and affected by nearby construction work.

There are also reports of parts being stolen from hydrants and people using the water in some of them for other purposes.

According to Bùi Thanh Giang, deputy director of SAWACO, the company will monitor roadworks to ensure nearby hydrants are not affected and improve water pipes to aid in firefighting.

He said authorities need to work together to raise awareness of safeguarding fire hydrants.    

The HCM City Fire and Rescue Police Department is seeking funding from the People’s Committee to replace some of the damaged hydrants. — VNS