Albina, the main town of the Marowijne district, has been without a fire engine for quite some time. As a result, the fire brigade was unable to respond to several recent fire incidents. DNA members Genevievre Jordan and Claudie Sabajo drew attention to this situation in De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament) on Thursday and are seeking clarification from the government.
“There has been no fire engine in Albina for quite some time,” Jordan said. According to her, several fires have occurred in recent times in which the fire brigade could not act due to the lack of a fire engine. The parliamentarian stressed that Albina residents want to know why no fire truck is available and when this will change. “The people demand a fire engine,” she stated.
Jordan also called on the Minister of Education, Science and Culture to pay attention to the consequences of the fire at O.S. Wonoredjo. The school was largely destroyed by fire on Wednesday. According to the parliamentarian, the educational institution had 440 pupils, a large number of whom are currently unable to attend school because of the fire.
She wants to know from the government what measures are being taken to ensure the continuity of education. “How will the pupils be accommodated?” Jordan asked.
DNA member Claudie Sabajo also expressed concern about the lack of a fire engine in Albina. According to her, several fires have occurred within a short period, with the fire brigade not being present in any of the cases.
“What is the reason that no fire vehicles are available for Albina?” Sabajo asked.
Both parliamentarians thus urged clarity on the problems facing the fire brigade in Albina and the measures the government will take to improve fire services in the area.
