A NEW, MODERN FIRE AND RESCUE UNIT WAS OPENED IN CHOLPON-ATA

A NEW, MODERN FIRE AND RESCUE UNIT WAS OPENED IN CHOLPON-ATA

Today in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region, a solemn opening ceremony of a modern fire and rescue unit of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic took place. It was attended by the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, Major General Boobek Azhikeev, 

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Lee Wonjae, Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Mr. Lee Jongsu, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Alexandra Solovyova, as well as firefighters and rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Recall that the old building of the fire and rescue station in Cholpon-Ata was built in 1968. 

Today, in place of the old, erected a new, modern fire and rescue station with all the necessary conditions. The construction lasted one year. Now, the two-storey fire and rescue station has improved working conditions for firefighters, increased universal access to fire departments, and complied with all the principles of sustainable development, taking into account all the necessary requirements. 

The building is equipped with computer technology for quick work of rescuers, comfortable beds, mattresses, a kitchen, a bathroom and a gym designed to increase the combat readiness of rescuers and improve their health. Also, the emergency rescue unit received a new rescue vehicle with special equipment. It should be noted that this achievement is the result of joint efforts by KOICA and the Ministry of Emergency Situations as part of a broader initiative to build four fire and rescue units in Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek, Osh and Suzak (Jalal-Abad oblast). 

In addition to technical assistance, UNDP has improved working conditions for firefighters, mainstreamed gender equality, increased universal access to fire departments and ensured adherence to sustainable development principles.

It is also worth noting that in March this year, firefighters from Kyrgyzstan visited Seoul and Busan, familiarized themselves with the work of the fire department of Korea and added to their experience.

At the opening ceremony, MES Minister Boobek Azhikeev noted the timeliness of the project, given the annual increase in the number of fires, especially during the heating season, and said: "Large fires around the world, which have claimed the lives of many people and turned mountain forests into ashes, are once again called to strengthen the efforts of firefighters and rescuers on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. As part of our cooperation, we have successfully implemented the initial stages of a grant project to increase the capacity of the fire and rescue service totaling $8 million. I hope that our cooperation will also continue at a high level" - concluded the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic Lee Wonjae noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Korea and Kyrgyzstan have expanded cooperation in various fields: "And we hope that exchanges and cooperation between the two countries will expand and deepen in the future. The Korean government plans to further strengthen development cooperation to promote the socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan and improve the quality of life of its people," he added.

At the end of his speech, Ambassador Lee Wonjae wished all employees of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations good health and success in their work. 

At the end of the opening ceremony, tree saplings were planted in the courtyard of the new building as a sign of long-term cooperation.

PRESS - CENTER OF MCHS KR