Fire Service wants more stations built in provinces

THE PNG Fire Service and six provincial governments will be making a submission to the Government to allocate funding to build fire stations.
Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo, pictured, said there were only 14 fire stations in the country – four in Port Moresby and 10 in other provinces. Provinces needing fore stations are Enga, Chimbu, Manus, West Sepik, Rabaul and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“We will, therefore, be giving in a joint submission with the provincial governments to get funding,” he said.
Roo said the fire service was an important public service.
“Despite the financial constraints, we have plans in place and will kick off once we have the funding,” he said.
“I also appeal to other provincial governments to talk to us. We are happy to work with you and provide fire service for the country.”
The Fire Service received K28.5 million in the 2019 budget.
“In the long run, we want to see that all the provinces have fire stations. Five fire trucks will also be shipped to the other five fire stations,” Roo said.
“We hope that with these little changes, we will slowly achieve our aim of providing fire service nation-wide.”
He said people must start realising the importance of fire stations nationwide.