Today I am pleased to inaugurate the new Fire Station of Pera Chorio-Nissos, the construction of which is part of the Government's broader plan for the qualitative enhancement of the operational capacity of the Fire Service.
The new station, at a total cost of 350 thousand euros, now covers an ever-growing and wide cluster of communities. The area is showing a steady growth, with the construction of new factories, schools and businesses. In particular, within the Station's area of responsibility, there are industrial and commercial zones, agricultural and livestock farms, residential buildings, military camps and a significant part of the Nicosia-Lemesos and Nicosia-Larnaca motorways.
The need for a new, modern and fully equipped fire station had therefore become imperative.
Recognising these increased demands, the Anastasiades Government has responded to your request so that we can enhance your sense of security for life, the protection of your property and investments.
But at this point, allow me to underline the pivotal role of the Pera Horion-Nisos Community Council in the construction of the station and to thank both the Community Mayor of Pera Horion Mr. Giannakis Georgiou and the Community Mayor of Nisos Mr. Koulis Poyatzis for their technical support and contribution to the completion of this project.
Friends,
Our Fire Service carries out an admittedly demanding mission, which often endangers the lives of our firefighters themselves, who are next to the citizen to protect his life and property in the critical moments of natural disasters and fires.
The Government, since taking office, has been actively strengthening the fire safety sector of the country, both by promoting political decisions and measures and by continuously evaluating the fire prevention and extinguishing system.
It is for this reason that our continuous objective remains the promotion of the competence, response and efficiency of our Fire Service.
To this end, we have adopted new, modern forms of action and strategic development, on the basis of a reform programme and innovative approaches, under which the Fire Service is now autonomous.
Over time, we are gradually increasing the Force's budget, which reached €50.7 million for 2023, an increase of 12.7% compared to 2022.
We are also moving forward with the phased establishment of the Unified Operations Coordination Centre, at a total cost of €6.1 million, using new technology that will allow us to monitor and have real-time visibility during a fire or other emergencies throughout Cyprus. The Centre will help to improve the coordination of all services involved in responding to them.
At the same time, a bill for the institutionalisation of the volunteer firefighter has been prepared and passed, so that, through proper training and coordination of the institution, we can support our volunteer firefighters.
In addition to the continuous effort to fill all vacancies, we are replacing and strengthening the equipment of ground and airborne firefighting means.
In closing, I would like to address the members of the Fire Service,
By officially handing over the new Fire Station of Pera Chorio-Nisos today, I would like to reassure you that as a state we stand unreservedly by your side.
The practical appreciation of the Anastasiades Government for the work you are doing is also reflected in the recent decision we took to upgrade the salary scales of the Police and Fire Brigade, which was passed by the Parliament and comes into effect on 1 January 2023.
We know the battles you fight every day to protect all of us and through our actions we want to express a big thank you.
Finally, Mr. Commoners, I assure you that as a state we remain with you to support your efforts and work.
Thank you.
(MB/IK)
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