…fire hydrants to be installed in G/town, other areas
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has officially commissioned a new $37.8 million Fire Station in Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD)on Wednesday.
A student of the neighbouring nursery school cutting the ribbon to officially open the Fire Station
That Fire Station would provide fire and rescue services to persons living on the East Bank of Demerara from Agricola to Providence, and would lend support to residents of West Demerara.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for this new Fire Station, Minister Benn said the launching of the Fire Station speaks volumes about the Government’s commitment to developing the country.
“It speaks, too, to the fact that we want to make sure that we optimise on the proper use of taxpayers’ monies. In respect of the capital investment of the PPP/C in Government…it speaks to accomplishment, speaks to putting structure, speaks to bringing professional expertise and interests, identifying our ownership of our country”, he said.
The Nandy Park Fire Station that was commissioned
He related that it is the intention of the Government to establish throughout the country the ability to respond to the challenges of fire, search and rescue, along with security and safety.
Benn added that there had been challenges at the official level of the GFS, and the attention that is paid at the personal level at homes and businesses, with respect to the question of fire.
“We have the challenges still, of the widespread reach, of the type of service that Fire Service provides to the country. While we celebrate putting places like this and expanding communities with a new Fire Station, we have been working and completing issues in relation to new Fire Stations in the new towns at Lethem, Mabaruma, and Mahdia too”, he explained.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
The Minister stated that there should be more sensitivity to fires at the level of the community, and firefighters must be capable of performing their duties.
“…the performance of the Fire Service in itself, and their ability in responding is not only with getting a new building, it relates to the engagement and the responsiveness of those who are trained firefighters”.
Minister Benn also highlighted the increase of arson in the country, urging individuals to help the Guyana Fire Service by reporting threats of these cases promptly, and taking safety procedures to avoid fire emergencies.
However, he added that fire hydrants would shortly be installed in various parts of Georgetown and in other parts of the country. Further, he added that firefighters would be trained to help the GFS become more ready, accountable, capable, and engaged in carrying out its mandate. Once training is completed, EMTs will be stationed at the Nandy Park Fire Station, he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Gregory Wickham, in his address, stated that the Nandy Park Fire Station was built with the number of structures and businesses in the area in mind. According to the CFO, he is pleased that the station is located opposite a school, as it would impact the young minds and encourage children to become firefighters.
He encouraged citizens to call on the Fire Service, and pledged an efficient and professional service.
Government’s plan for the construction of this new Fire Station was disclosed last year by the then Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo, who had noted that the strategic location of the facility has been geared at improving the infrastructural aspect of the Guyana Fire Service.
Construction of the Fire Station began in June 2021, and this station would accommodate two fire tenders and one emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance. It will serve communities on the EBD, West Coast, and West Bank of Demerara.
