On Friday 5th November 2021 the Defence and Security Committee of the National Assembly met with the Leadership and Staff of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency at their New Port Headquarters.
The visit which lasted for an hour and a half and was led by the Chief Fire officer, Mr. Albert Rose, his Deputy and Senior Officers. The Committee was represented by the Chairperson, Hon. Clifford Andre, Hon. Audrey Vidot, Hon. Churchill Gill and Hon. Michel Roucou supported by two Secretaries. Four Units of the Agency was covered during the visit - the Administration, Operations, Prevention and Safety and Training. The visit of the four units started with the Watch Room and ending with an overview of the equipment and Fire Tenders at disposition in the case that any incident would fall within the operational scope of SFRSA.
The issues discussed varied from facilities to modernize in the Watch Room, fire hydrants at locations on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and better coordination between SLTA and PUC for placement, as well as consultations between the authorities involved for approval of building permission. Further discussions involved the Safety Standard regulations, for SFRSA to be included on the Planning Authority Structure or sub-committees, an overview of Training services being offered by SFRSA, standard of equipment and materials being imported with Seychelles Bureau of Standards having oversight and difficulties being encountered for replacement of used or damaged equipment. The Committee were also briefed on the overall well-being of Staff stationed on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue in regards to their accommodation, wages and other allowances for the sacrifices that they make especially those working away from their family homebased.
The CFO, Mr. Rose clearly indicated to the Committee that many of the issues raised during the visit have been on the table for many years including a proper training facility and a modern Headquarters as the current one is no longer ideal and in addition is situated in a red zone or risk area. CFO Rose, pleaded to the Committee for support during the coming budget debate and requested further visits to be planned in the near future. The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Clifford Andre reassured CFO Rose and other Fire Officers present of the Committee’s commitment towards a more professional Fire Service, with the necessary infrastructure, equipment, training and facilities for motivation of the SFRSA Team responsive to the exigence of Seychellois people.
