Permanent Secretary Continues Her Quarterly Capital Project Inspection
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, continued her capital project inspection on several projects under the ambits of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Regions 3 and 4.
The Wales Fire Station, Command Centre, Leonora Fire Station, Dem Amstel Police Station, Ruimveldt Police Station Marine Boat House, and Stelling were among the locations visited.
During this site visit, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas was given a walk-through of the new Wales Fire Station, which is now 90 per cent complete. This modernized Fire Station was built to the tune of over G$69 million and will serve Wales and its surrounding communities. It will also significantly assist the firefighting and prevention capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service while facilitating the first Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Region 3.
As part of the safe country project, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is constructing Command Centres in several administrative regions.
Ms. Thomas inspected the Region 3 Command Centre which was constructed in the Leonora Police Station compound. This project is moving apace at 90 per cent completion.
Approximately G$36 million was expended on this project, which is aimed at ensuring safer and more secure communities in Region 3 and, by extension, a safer and more secure Guyana.
Additionally, it will allow for the efficient deployment of law enforcement staff, a 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.
A new state-of-the-art 6,600-square-foot Fire and Rescue facility will soon be operable at Leonora. Currently, at 25 per cent completion, this fire station will be designed with diversity and inclusion in mind. The building will allow the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service to continue providing the community with exceptional service.
In addition to being a fully accessible building and home to the primary Emergency Medical Services, the new building will feature a control room, male and female barracks, offices, a kitchen and dining area for firefighters; among other amenities. It will also be able to house three fire tenders and two ambulances.
The ongoing works at the Dem Amstel Police Station was also inspected by the Permanent Secretary.
This project is being constructed at a cost of G$82.3 million and is currently 32 per cent complete. Works on this structure were delayed due to the demolition of the previous station, however, the superstructure of the building is currently being erected.
In Region 4, Ms. Toussaint Thomas inspected the ongoing works at the Ruimveldt Police Station Marine Boat House and Stelling, where she was informed that this project is currently at 25 per cent completion.
The demolition of the old structure is complete, and small sections of the wharf were repaired. The casting of piles and installation of beams on another section of the wharf is currently ongoing.
At the end of this project, approximately G$47 million will be expended, which entails the construction of a flat, concrete boat house which will consist of barracks for the officers and office areas, among other modern amenities; the rehabilitation of the entire wharf; and the construction of a floating ramp.