-
.
- Ελληνικά
In response to the announcements of political parties, but also following yesterday's session of the parliamentary Environment Committee on the issue of aircraft, the Department of Forests notes:
The Republic of Cyprus acquired the first privately owned aircraft in 2006 and the second in 2009.
For the purchase of three new aircraft, the Forestry Department published the bids in November 2023. The process is currently in the Bid Review Authority.
Preparation of bids for the lease of firefighting aircraft began in September 2023 with publication of a Notice of Intent to Bid for the lease of aircraft just so that companies are aware and ready to bid. The tenders were published in January 2024. The fire season ended for 2023 in November. Companies providing aerial firefighting services are not responding with bids in the middle of the fire season. This is a European practice.
Unfortunately, the bids became ineligible due to exogenous factors (no participation guarantee was submitted for helicopters, and no bids were submitted for airplanes).
Regarding the maintenance of one of the two Forestry Department planes, it is noted that it was flying until November 2023. Its annual inspection was due to expire in January 2024. In that month and in February there were scheduled spraying operations at the Pheasant Salt Lake. The plane was sent with much difficulty to Israel in the midst of war on 25/02. Due to lack of parts, instead of being in Cyprus on 25/03, it is expected on 8 April. The second plane needed an engine repair. After four unsuccessful tenders, the last one was awarded and is expected in Cyprus in early July 2024.
Considering the adverse climatic conditions of last winter season with reduced rainfall, prolonged periods of drought and especially the forecast for high temperatures in the coming season, the Forestry Department has extended the alert period with full deployment and readiness of all ground forces starting from 1 April instead of 1 May as it was in previous years.
Specifically, the Forestry Department is implementing an integrated alert system for responding to forest fires involving officials of all levels, forest firefighters (555) and firefighters (40).
(NZ/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
