Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

A large number of the 16 new trucks distributed approximately two months ago to fire stations to help solve shortage issues, have been malfunctioning.

Firefighters say the trucks have a host of problems ranging from loose screws, burnt-out pumps, malfunctioning hoses and doors that come loose without much prodding. Some stations also have problems with leaking water tankers.

A source at the York Park Fire Station told the STAR that "within less than a week after the first unit went to the Half-Way Tree Station, screws started falling off, and the holds burst." He also said that there was a problem with the tools, "... There are faulty saws, jaws of life and hoses." He said the material that makes the hose is unable to withstand heat and bursts when it comes into contact with hot temperatures. This defeats the very purpose of a fire truck.

The decision to purchase 33 trucks at a cost of $550 million, had sparked controversy in the House of Parliament and generally, among the public. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller came under fire from the Opposition who questioned whether left-hand drive vehicles would be suitable for Jamaica. The decision was strongly defended by the Government. The arrival of the trucks was long anticipated by firefighters, who had long been complaining about the poor state of affairs. The arrival of the trucks was heralded by much excitement and a very public and glitzy commissioning ceremony.

Novelty gone

But now just a little after all the excitement has died down, the problems have returned. The widespread malfunctioning of the new trucks has been affecting the quality of the service that the firefighters can offer.

According to the individual at the York Park Station, "We had a failing fleet before but we don't feel like the units that they put in have done anything. We want these to go back and we want new ones."

Four of the stations which received new trucks when contacted by the STAR admitted that either the new water tanker or truck they had received was malfunctioning. An officer at the St. Ann's Bay Fire Station said the starter pump on the truck they received in July was not working. The pump is designed to allow the water to flow from the truck. He added, however that the matter had been reported and that the parts were being sourced overseas.

"The starter pump is burnt up," he said, "It is serious because it is what gets the water pumping. These are brand new units so they're not supposed to be giving so much trouble. They are fabulous if you looking at them but the fibreglass they use to make them is not good enough for the day-to-day running."

Over at the Barnett Street Station in Montego Bay, things are not much different. A sub-officer at the station told the STAR: "We got three new units and one is not working. The water pump is not working." He added that the trucks were received in July and began giving trouble.