Want to install fire hydrants on slum premises: DNCC mayor

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said they want to install fire hydrants in slums so that its dwellers can respond first and minimise losses in case of fire incidents.

"We want to install fire hydrants on the premises of the slums. If we can do it and train slum dwellers how to use them, they will be able to respond immediately," he told reporters while visiting and distributing relief among residents of Sat Tola slum in Mohakhali that was gutted yesterday.

By using fire hydrants, it will be possible to douse or contain the fire before fire officials arrive, he said.

"You will see a reflection of it in the (DNCC) budget. There will be an allocation for it," he said adding that concerned officials have already been instructed to this end.

Fire fighters will also be able to use those as source of water.

Replying to a query, the mayor said illegal gas connection in the slums is a reality as authorities cannot give legal connection without permanent addresses of residents.

He said that the government is going to initiate a move to create multi-storey buildings at Korail slum in Mohakhali to accommodate permanent residents of the slum with minimal monthly house rent.