New Fire Station to be Built in Belize City by End of 2025

The fire station that was supposed to be built after the Cleghorn Street compound was sold before the 2020 election is now expected to be completed by the end of this year. That’s according to the Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez. Perez told News Five that the funds were initially put into a consolidated fund but were used elsewhere. However, he assured that the government is committed to building the station and mentioned that the Fire Department has received new equipment, especially for its ambulance services.

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“We have acquired new equipment, especially medical, medical services. The response, rapid response that we have done in the Cayo district and Belmopan as well. That speaks volumes of what direction the fire department is going. In terms of the uniforms, the fire suits, those are very expensive. Uh, we do whatever we can to get as much as possible. This type of uniform that they need because it’s very expensive. So, again, it’s something that it’s always a challenge. But, certainly not in a way that we’re just ignoring it. We’re just doing the very best as possible. I want to share with you as well is the need. And we have, I personally have seen, and I share with the private sector.  Is that there is not a need now to really start building that building for the firefighting here in Belize City and the district is much needed. I visited the Marlon Jones complex, and I acknowledge that the firefighters are there left and especially equipment that is left the elements of the weather. These are expensive equipment, so we must maintain them, take care of them. So the urgent need on Chetumal Street where that land is located is to start building that, um, that building. And that’s important. I’ve shared that with the fire department. And I’m going to be talking about the fire department, and the firefighters as well. And I shared it with our Prime Minister over the weekend, discussing the same matter on the fire department. So indeed, a lot has been done. More needs to be done. always. We never deny that.”

 

Marion Ali

“That building will be built this year?”

 

Andre Perez

“Well, we’re – remember, and I don’t want to get into that political aspect – remember that the building on playground sheet was sold off. And those funds, of course, went to the consolidated fund. But those funds are allocated to build the building. A portion of that fund was to build a new building. We got into government and that money has disappeared, has been used up. But it’s there, allocated. We just have to go out there and push for it. And that’s what my job as the Minister of Disaster Risk Management. I’ve been actively engaging with our CU and the entire ministry at this time. And if we’re hearing right now to sit down with the firefighters, we need to understand that they have a safe place and a comfort where they work.”