by Quinton Alomp, EMTV, Port Moresby
The PNG Fire Service is expecting an organisational review.
This will happen if the National Executive Council agrees on their proposal, allowing them to set up a review team to modernise the fire service.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo said the slice of the budget given to Fire department each year cannot improve their infrastructure nationwide.
The department remains under pressure with manpower and financial constraints.
Many of its current vehicle fleet and equipment dates back to the late 1980 and early 90s.
Technology has advanced and firefighters play an important role in preventing fires and rescuing trapped passengers in road accidents.
Mr Roo was in Alotau last Friday, officiating at the presentation of a Road Accident Rescue Equipment commonly known as the ‘Jaws of life.’
The equipment was bought by the provincial government using PSIP funds.
The PNG Fire service has been criticised by the general public on social media for lateness in attending to fires. However, they fail to realise the degrading infrastructure and equipment the organisation has had to work with.
Last year several buildings in Lae and Mt Hagen went up in flames. Last month, two business houses in Lae lost properties worth millions to fire.
Though no practical solution was forthcoming, the PNG fire service is looking forward for NEC’s approval for a complete review of the department.
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