TIL BDR GHALLEY
Thimphu
The Government of Japan handed over five fully equipped firefighting vehicles to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) on 17 July.
The donation was made under “The Project for the Provision of Recycled Fire Engines for Western Bhutan” through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP).
The handing over ceremony was held in Thimphu and attended b Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, and the Chief of Police, Major General Chimi Dorji.
This latest contribution brings the total number of fire engines donated by Japan to Bhutan to 39 since the collaboration began.
“This fire pump vehicle is more than just equipment,” said Major General Chimi Dorji during the ceremony. “They are symbols of hope, protection, and resilience for the people of Bhutan. Since the establishment of the firefighting office in 1972, the government and people of Japan have consistently walked with us.”
The five refurbished fire engines were procured and delivered with financial support from the Government of Japan, which provided a grant of USD 231,235 (approximately Nu. 19.533 million).
The vehicles were facilitated by the Japan Firefighters Association and will be stationed in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha a key district in western Bhutan.
“These vehicles are at the heart of firefighting services reaching families in distress, preventing loss of life, and protecting homes and sacred institutions from devastation,” said Major General Dorji.
He said the Japanese government has not only provided RBP with equipment but also with experts who have shared their knowledge and technical expertise.
“The hands-on training has empowered our firefighters to not only operate and maintain the vehicles but to become better protectors of our communities,” he added.
He further added that the knowledge imparted by Japanese experts continues to ripple across the country in every fire emergency response.
The Ambassador of Japan, Keiichi Ono, emphasized the broader mission of the GGP scheme, under which this donation was made.
“The GGP scheme was established in 1989 to address the diverse basic human needs in developing countries. Through this scheme, the Government of Japan has helped in various areas, including the construction of small bridges, rehabilitation of irrigation channels, and procurement of essential items based on local needs,” he said.
Ambassador Ono noted that Japan’s support to Bhutan through the GGP would continue, stating, “We will keep responding to the needs of the people at the grassroots level through active use of the GGP scheme.”
Currently, the Fire and Rescue Division of the Royal Bhutan Police operates approximately 50 fire engines across 24 fire stations throughout the country.
However, some of these vehicles have been in service for over 30 years, often requiring backup from nearby stations, leading to potential delays in emergency response. The new additions are expected to reduce such challenges in western Bhutan.
The ambassador acknowledged these difficulties and said the request for new vehicles was reviewed and approved under the GGP.
“Considering the challenges, the request was made through the GGP scheme, and five fire engines were donated by the Japanese local government to the Royal Bhutan Police,” said Ono.
He also expressed appreciation for the way Bhutan has maintained the equipment over the years. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Royal Bhutan Police for its thoughtful and dedicated use of the vehicles provided by the Government of Japan. Their continued care has played an important role in sustaining our long-standing cooperation.”
“I sincerely hope that these new fire engines will further strengthen Bhutan’s firefighting system, contributing to more timely and effective emergency response,” he added.
He said this new addition will be cherished, well-maintained, and used with utmost care, continuing to serve the local community for many years to come.
In addition to fire trucks, the Royal Bhutan Police has also received 14 community patrol vehicles worth Nu. 25.85 million from the Japanese government since 2014.
These vehicles have contributed to saving lives and have helped the police reach people in need, including those living in remote villages.
“These vehicles give us more hope and allow us to carry out our duties with renewed purpose,” said Major General Dorji. “They have helped us extend our services to the edges of communities and respond where help is most needed.”
The Royal Bhutan Police expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their long-standing partnership. “Their invaluable contribution continues to strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness in Bhutan,” said Major General Dorji.
With Bhutan regularly confronting natural disasters and accidental emergencies across its rugged terrain, Japan’s steadfast assistance has become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s public safety and emergency preparedness efforts.
