By: Fatoumata Joof
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior (MOI) has said that the role of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) has changed over the years as a national emergency response institution that responds to almost all kinds of emergencies; such as hazardous material incidents, high angle rescue, confined space rescue incidents, trench and collapse operations, underwater rescue and much more in addition to their conventional role of fire fighting and rescue.
Mr. Assan Tangara said this while presiding over the validation workshop of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) Bill 2022 recently held at the NaNA conference hall.
PS Tangara stated that the introduction and enactment of Gambia Fire and Rescue Service Act is timely and that the Act will empower and mandate the department to implement rescue and protect lives and properties which will lead to the ultimate effective and efficient responses as an institution.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting the development agenda of The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, by providing the much-needed support for the smooth execution of their mandates.
The Chief Fire Officer, Gambia Fire and Rescue Service Mr. Sang Ndow said the validation of the draft GFRS Bill, 2022 marks a turning point in the history of The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) as it earmarks the repealing process of the 1948 Act.
Mr. Ndow further explained that the new draft bill is geared to complementing the National Development Plan and that it is a step towards the realisation of the security sector reform agenda.
According to Ndow, the new bill endeavours to strengthen saving of lives and protection of property and provides revenue generation for government which will enhance economic growth for the country.
“The draft bill also provides protection for the fire fighters and also enhance their capacity in civil protection mechanism”, he noted.
He added that the proposed bill will provide protection for society and livelihood as well as create a conducive and close working environment with partners and stakeholders
In conclusion, Mr. Ndow thanked the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, the State Intelligence Service ( SIS), the Office of National Security (ONS) among other institutions for supporting his department throughout the drafting of the bill.
