Small firefighting vehicles, trained local brigades for NDCs across Guyana – Pres Ali

…Farm, Herstelling & Mocha to get improved road, water services

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced plans by Government to equip all the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country with firefighting capabilities.
While speaking at the sod-turning exercise for the new Brickdam Police Station in Georgetown earlier this week, the Head of State had disclosed plans to conduct firefighting training at the various NDCs.
He reiterated these plans on Thursday evening during an engagement at the Mocha Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, where residents asked for more fire hydrants to be installed in every community across Guyana, given the difficulties the firefighters have in sourcing water.
“So, in addition to fire hydrants and building out a fire infrastructure, we are in this [2024] Budget, working on buying a number of small firefighting vehicles with full capability. So, in every NDC, we can put one and we can train a local fire volunteer brigade to work that equipment. So, in every community you will have one of this in addition to the Fire Service,” President Ali told residents.
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in fires across the country. Only this week, the Guyana Fire Service reported that there were 17 fires in the first 10 days of 2024 alone.
According to a statement on Thursday, the GFS has responded to more than 20 fires since the year began. These fires have originated from electrical issues, arson, and, in some cases, negligence.

This alarming number has prompted the agency to initiate community engagements across the country. During these engagements, citizens can expect to learn about fire safety and prevention from firefighters, who are tasked with raising awareness one person at a time.
“The Fire Service is dedicated to continually enhancing community engagement as we strive to raise awareness and prevent future fires. Through outreach events, public education, and collaboration with local organisations, we aim to educate residents on fire safety measures, evacuation procedures, and the importance of early detection. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, we hope to build a resilient country where everyone actively participates in fire prevention efforts, promoting a safer environment for all,” the GFS stated.
Road, water improvements
Meanwhile, during his engagement with Mocha Arcadia residents on Thursday evening, the Head of State detailed plans to enhance the road infrastructure in the community this year as well as the new highways built in the area.
“As I speak to you right now, we have $400 million of road committed to this area again… Right now, they’re working on the traffic lights [for the highways]. They’re bringing them into the country so all the important four-way intersections will get the traffic lights… So, we are also launching a national programme this year, where we are commencing a project of lighting up the entire country. So, we will have lights in every community and we will start that this year,” he stated.
Over in the Farm Housing Scheme, EBD, it was pointed out that a majority of the cross streets have an occupancy of approximately 80 per cent. President Ali committed to have all the streets with high occupancy rates upgraded.
“All the areas in this phase, where we have the 75 per cent and above occupancy, let’s finish off the infrastructure,” he directed to the Government officials.
The residents complained about the fact that some of the cross streets were done and some were not.
“In some areas, they don’t have the occupancy as they should have… We also have the same issue with the Herstelling side and Covent Garden, where there is 60 to 65 per cent [occupancy]… It makes no sense for us to go in if we have not reached the bar for occupancy, but once it is an important connection, we will get that done… You must not be penalised because somebody taking five years to start building,” the President reassured.
The Head of State also indicated that barriers will be erected to prevent the newly upgraded roads in the communities from being damaged by large trucks.
The barriers will allow smaller trucks to transport materials and access the small streets in the communities so that persons can get their materials in the streets for constructing their homes.
“We have seen in many areas where barriers do help to protect the infrastructure as long as possible…the barriers are not here as a hinderance,” he asserted.
Moreover, the residents’ complaints about the low water pressure in the community, especially in Mocha Arcadia, were also addressed.
An official from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) indicated that, “…we have some plans Tuesday to come in here and upgrade the well to give some more pressure here.”
The GWI official explained that they are experiencing challenges with the air valve. He said air is getting into the distribution system thus preventing water from being distributed at full pressure.
President Ali instructed the water company to ensure that these issues are remedied.
“I’m putting you on notice, you better fix this East Bank [water distribution] issue… We’re putting enough resources into GWI and the system to get it fixed,” the Guyanese leader declared.
Issues relating to drainage and irrigation as well as agriculture were also dealt with by the President during the engagements, where several Ministers and senior Government officials were also present. (G8)