Fire service neglected, Dion says

 By ADAM MERA

THE pace of development in the country, especially in our urban centres, has outpaced the capacity and capability of the PNG Fire Service, Deputy Prime Minister Chief Leo Dion says. 

Dion said this was because the service had been neglected since independence to the point where it urgently needed a major revamp and significant funding from the Government.

“This is the fact of the current state of affairs that is facing our fire service,” he said.

“There won’t be any quick-fix overnight solution to this problem that has accumulated over the many years of neglect by previous governments.”

“We will not play any games but we are committed to prescribe a strategic solution that will be evidence based, practical and affordable to implement overtime.”

Dion said to achieve the Government’s intention, he would be bringing in to Cabinet a submission to seek approval for an independent review of the service.