Three new fire-engines were inaugurated at Civil Protection Department with an investment of €360,000 from local funds. Vehicles that have the ability to operate on any road surface including rural areas.
During the ceremony, two Deputy Directors, 8 station officers and 7 leading and assistance officers were appointed.
In his address, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela spoke about the modernisation of the Department through investment in new equipment after a lack of around 18 years. This, together with investment in human resources and plans for a new fire-station.
He said that the restructuring of human resource management is another step forward for better work planning and implementation. This is even more important in the light of the added responsibilities given to CPD.
In this regard, currently the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security is internally discussing legislative changes permitting the Department to comprise in total three sections; the rescue and emergency section, firesafety and public events.
Minister Abela noted that at present the Department is equipped with 60 vehicles with the majority of them being in the process of being changed. On a plan of around 6 years with an €8 million investment from local funds, CPD fleet is already being modernised.
He added that in 2015, CPD assisted in 5,000 calls. In 2016, so far they assisted in 2,500 calls.
The Minister for Home Affairs concluded by noting the progess in the working conditions of the members.