By Mustapha Jallow
The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), in collaboration with the Interior Ministry and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), on Monday launched a new project aimed at supporting the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) in its efforts to protect the citizenry and the country.
Funded by the French Government and implemented by DCAF, the newly launched project has five months dedicated to the development of buildings and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) regulations for the GFRS, and the initiative is a crucial step in the enhancement of the safety and security of the nation.
Held at a local hotel in Bakau, the event brought together senior staff of the government, DCAF officials, senior officers of the GFRS, and other stakeholders.
Delivering his speech, Ken Isaac, head of DCAF in the Gambia, explained how the Center is focused on enhancing security through more effective, accountable security and justice systems.
“Our approach involves working closely with security institutions and local consultants, and the tailoring of international best practices to what is effective within the Gambian context,” he said.
According to Mr. Issac, these activities are part of a broader set of cross-cutting efforts involving multiple security institutions in the country. The event, he said, exemplifies DCAF’s commitment to expanding support to the broader security community, with a focus on the protection of life and property.
“This initiative will be followed later this year by the development of an ‘Operations Guidance Manual’ for the GFRS,” he said.
Abraham K. Mendy, deputy permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry viewed the initiative as another milestone in the country’s ongoing Security Sector Reform (SSR) process.
He went on to say that the project is critical in ensuring the safety and security of Gambian citizens.
“It will ensure that fire safety measures are in place. There are clear guidelines for the inspection, storage, movement and usage of LPG. The environmental risks associated with LPG will also be addressed, promoting sustainable energy practices,” Mr. Mendy said. He continued by encouraging officers of the Fire Department for them to work closely with the Physical Planning Department and PURA, to create a safer and more secure environment for all Gambians.
Philippe Boutinaud, Major General (Ret) and senior security sector and strategy adviser to the Director, and representative for the French Development Agency, highlighted that the project is specifically on fire service governance reform, as part of DCAF’s people-centered approach to security.
“I am not here to write your regulations or to tell you how to write them. It is your country, your law, and your fire and rescue service, and no one knows better than you, what is appropriate, suitable, and feasible for your country,” he remarked.
He continued: “I am here to help you and to understand you, and to recommend what I believe is the best solution for your country. I will only recommend solutions that are pragmatic and affordable because, at the end of the day, regulations are designed to protect people from tragedy and to save lives.”
“This capacity building is not only timely but also highly relevant to our daily operations,” Mariama Jobarteh, deputy chief fire officer for GFRS said.
Ismaila Jadama, manager for petroleum quality assurance at PURA, encouraged participants to commit to this endeavor with the highest standards of professionalism and a shared dedication to public safety.
