The residents of Wales on the West Bank of Demerara and surrounding communities will soon benefit from a new Fire Station. The Guyana Fire Service, with support from the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is currently constructing a new Fire Station in Wales to the tune of over G$69M. This will significantly assist the fire fighting and prevention capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service. The new fire Station is currently at 10 per cent completion and progressing smoothly. This new fire Station will also facilitate the expansion of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to the West Bank area.

The Fire Station is estimated to be completed early next year and will house two (2) fire tenders and one (1) EMS ambulance.

Ms. Thomas, during her visit to the Ruimveldt Police Station Marine Boat House and Stelling, was informed that this project is currently in its demolition stage since work commenced in late August. This project entails the construction of a flat concrete boat house which will consist of barracks for the officers, and office areas, among other modern amenities also, rehabilitation of the entire wharf and the construction of a floating ramp.

This project follows shortly after the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, inspected the condition of the infrastructure and marine assets in April of this year. Close to G$47m will be expended towards the completion of this project which is estimated to be concluded before mid-next year.

The rolling out of the Safe Country Project has commenced with Command Centres being constructed in several regions. The Permanent Secretary visited the Command Centre being erected in the Leonora Police Station Compound, Region 3.

This Command centre is currently at a 45 per cent completion and is estimated to be completed early next year.

This G$36m facility which falls under the purview of national security, aims to ensure safer and more secure communities in Region 3 and, by extension, a safer and more secure Guyana. It will allow for the efficient deployment of law enforcement staff, better multi-agency response to incidents and emergencies, increased success and efficiency in bringing criminals to justice and enhanced security coordination for major public events.