• Home

Sharjah Civil Defence seeks more support

SHARJAH - The Sharjah Civil Defence has urged the government to extend more support to help deal with fire accidents and other incidents in view of the rapid developments in the real estate and construction industry in the emirate.

The request came from Brigadier Garib Shaban, Director-General of Sharjah Civil Defence Department, during a session of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) on May 8 where the members discussed a series of recent fire accidents in the industrial and free zone areas.

Brig Shaban noted that the department was unable to cope with the increasing pressure due to the fast-paced development in the emirate. Although, the Sharjah Civil Defence is receiving support from the Sharjah Government and Ministry of Interior, it was unable to cope with the pressures, he said.

He added that the Civil Defence needs support in terms of increasing its human resources, equipment, fire-fighting engines, and state-of-the-art fire stations. Despite our limitations in all these areas, we still continue to make efforts in handling major fire accidents through proper planning and supervision, added Brig Shaban.

During the SCC session, the members questioned the Civil Defence about the efforts made by its Emergency committee formed to minimise fire accidents in the emirate. In addition, questions were raised on the mechanism used in tackling fire in high-rise buildings and major fire disasters, as well as reasons for the increase in fire accidents.

They also demanded setting up of another earthquake monitoring station, as well as a training programme for watchmen of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, and promotion of awareness on fire safety.

Responding to the queries by the members, Brig Shaban said the committee did a great job in reducing the fire accidents during the last three months by 40 per cent through regular inspections and follow-ups.

The committee first issued warnings to violators and gave them a grace period from one week to a month to companies found violating the safety norms.

Finally the committee decided to disconnect the electricity supply to these companies if they continued repeating the same violations.

He added the Civil Defence is studying drawings of many high-rise buildings and have instructed landlords to install all fire-prevention and fighting equipments in their buildings.

He pointed out that the Civil Defence Department has been coordinating with the American University of Sharjah for monitoring earthquakes in the emirate. Meanwhile, plans are under way to launch another earthquake monitoring station in Wadi Al Hilo area.

Training is also being provided to watchmen of all types of buildings and awareness on fire safety is being spread among college and school students as well as housewives.

Circulars and pamphlets to this effect were distributed to the public along with the utilities bill in coordination with Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.

• UAE