【Advanced Notice】The Handover Ceremony of the Project for the Provision of Recycled Fire Engines for Western Bhutan
2025/7/14
The handover ceremony of “The Project for the Provision of Recycled Fire Engines for Western Bhutan” under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan will be held on July 17, 2025, in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The handover ceremony will be attended by Major General Chimi Dorji, Chief of Police, Fire and Rescue Service Division, Royal Bhutan Police, the recipient organization of the grant, Mr. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The GGP scheme was introduced in 1989 to address diverse basic human needs in developing countries. Through this scheme, the Government of Japan has supported a variety of grassroots projects in Bhutan, including the construction of small bridges and school hostels, the reconstruction of irrigation channels, and the provision of vehicles suited to local needs, such as fire engines.
This project, amounting to approximately 32.14 million yen, involves the provision of five used fire engines to Bhutan. About 70 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered by forests, and the risk of forest fires increases significantly during the dry season. Additionally, many structures, including temples and houses, are made of wood, resulting in a high risk of fire outbreaks in residential areas.
The Fire and Rescue Service Division under the Royal Bhutan Police is responsible for firefighting and rescue operations throughout the country. Currently, the division operates 51 fire engines across 24 fire stations nationwide. However, some of these vehicles have been in use for around 30 years, and due to aging, frequent breakdowns of components such as power systems occur. Some fire engines have even become inoperable due to irreparable damage. Furthermore, repairs sometimes require the procurement of parts from abroad, which can take some time to complete. During such periods, support from other fire stations within the district becomes necessary. These circumstances affect the prompt and stable delivery of firefighting and rescue services, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the firefighting system.
Through this project, the provision of fire engines is expected to enhance Bhutan’s firefighting capabilities and contribute to ensuring the safety and security of residents.
The Government of Japan also hopes that this support will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and Japan.
The handover ceremony will be attended by Major General Chimi Dorji, Chief of Police, Fire and Rescue Service Division, Royal Bhutan Police, the recipient organization of the grant, Mr. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The GGP scheme was introduced in 1989 to address diverse basic human needs in developing countries. Through this scheme, the Government of Japan has supported a variety of grassroots projects in Bhutan, including the construction of small bridges and school hostels, the reconstruction of irrigation channels, and the provision of vehicles suited to local needs, such as fire engines.
This project, amounting to approximately 32.14 million yen, involves the provision of five used fire engines to Bhutan. About 70 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered by forests, and the risk of forest fires increases significantly during the dry season. Additionally, many structures, including temples and houses, are made of wood, resulting in a high risk of fire outbreaks in residential areas.
The Fire and Rescue Service Division under the Royal Bhutan Police is responsible for firefighting and rescue operations throughout the country. Currently, the division operates 51 fire engines across 24 fire stations nationwide. However, some of these vehicles have been in use for around 30 years, and due to aging, frequent breakdowns of components such as power systems occur. Some fire engines have even become inoperable due to irreparable damage. Furthermore, repairs sometimes require the procurement of parts from abroad, which can take some time to complete. During such periods, support from other fire stations within the district becomes necessary. These circumstances affect the prompt and stable delivery of firefighting and rescue services, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the firefighting system.
Through this project, the provision of fire engines is expected to enhance Bhutan’s firefighting capabilities and contribute to ensuring the safety and security of residents.
The Government of Japan also hopes that this support will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and Japan.