THE construction of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Leonora Training School on the West Coast Demerara is taking shape and is in Phase Three of its completion process. It is expected to be commissioned this year.

Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle said they are putting on the final touches which will see the training and accommodation buildings and support elements completed, along with an open area for training of recruits.

He added that the building will be commissioned this year and they hope to start training for recruits soon after.

Gentle explained that a multi-purpose fire-fighting simulator will be added for simulated exercises.
He said that the GFS is equipped with fire-fighting and rescue tools to respond to any emergencies, but there is never too much equipment and tools but added that they are adequately equipped.

The building houses the barracks, mess hall, accommodation area and the lecture hall, Gentle said.

He said that Phase One saw the completion of the fence, construction of culverts, bridges and the levelling of the approximately four acres of land.

The Chief Fire Officer added that it will be the first dedicated area for the GFS where training will be done and will accommodate most of the training needs of the GFS with all basic amenities, including accommodation, classrooms, facilities for both practical and theoretical training in all disciplines of fire-fighting and firemanship.

Gentle noted that Phase One of the capital project, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, amounted to $25M.