BHAKTAPUR: A fire engine which was purchased at the cost of Rs 6.6 million by the Ministry of Local Development and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality remained out of service for past 18 months.

The fire engine has been kept at the premises of Korea-Nepal Friendship Hospital in the district. The Municipality officer Bhupendra Sapkota said that they were failing to operate it due to lack of skilled human resources.

He added that the fire engine would be brought into operation soon after the Ministry sent skilled personnel . At least 10 persons are required to operate it.