The construction of the $13 million fire station at Rosehall, led by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, will benefit from a fire tender from the government along with training for the fire-fighters, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said.
On Wednesday Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, visited the proposed site for the fire station in Rosehall, Corentyne, Berbice. The minister promised the Chamber of Commerce, which has already pledged $500,000, and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) the government’s complete support.
According to GINA, during the past three years the government has spent $183 million in acquiring fire-fighting equipment like hoses and pumps. Major emphasis has also been placed on training and improvement of fire-fighters’ working conditions; $73 million was spent to construct fire stations in Linden and Bartica. Further, this year’s budget allocated $8.5 million to the GFS for training and scholarships.
An auxiliary unit comprising trained members to assist the GFS is expected to be established. Members of the unit will receive training, equipment and stipends from the GFS, GINA said.
The GINA press release also stated that the GFS recorded a higher level of success last year as opposed to 2006 and that the administration’s continued support to them has improved the performance of fire-fighters.
