The establishment of fire stations in interior locations is among the plans set aside for the New Year following the National Budget. This is according to Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn.
Back in 2016, communities that were scheduled for fire stations were Mabaruma, Region One; Mahdia, Region Eight and Lethem, Region Nine.
The construction of the fire station in Mabaruma was estimated to cost $15M for the first phase. Mahdia was slated to cost $35M and phase two for the Lethem fire station was estimated to cost $19M.
Now in 2022, the current administration, through the Ministry of Home Affairs will be making submissions for funding through the National Budget, to construct, train and hire personnel to work in these and other key interior locations.
According to Benn, fire protection must be a nationwide effort and as such, the establishment of these fire stations will help to promote fire safety.
“We are looking forward to finally opening new fire stations and the footprint in interior areas; we are looking forward to the presence of new ambulance service on the coast and soon populated areas in the interior.” The Home Affairs Minister said.
He further noted that the fire service also has plans to expand its capacity and personnel in 2023. The Home Affairs minister added that would form part of a holistic plan to improve the Guyana Fire Service.
“We recently had a batch of 40 firefighters, (men and women), and 30 EMT’s. Two weeks ago, we graduated people so they are now in the service.” He noted.
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