KATHMANDU: Japan handed over 12 recycled fire engines to Nepal on Wednesday, which will soon be deployed to 12 municipalities across the provinces of Koshi, Lumbini, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki.

The project was implemented by Volunteer Corps Nepal (VCN), led by Deepak Chapagain, and United Mission to Nepal (UMN), led by Dhana Lama, with grants from the Government of Japan through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

VCN received USD 282,614, while UMN received USD 259,035 for project implementation.

Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, MAEDA Toru, congratulated everyone involved and expressed confidence that the vehicles would enhance emergency response capabilities and provide vital support to local communities.

The Embassy of Japan noted that the project will help protect people in the 12 municipalities and surrounding areas from fire-related emergencies and strengthen the friendship between Nepal and Japan.

Established in 1991, the GGP program has supported over 200 grassroots projects in Nepal, directly benefiting communities and promoting socio-economic development.