File photo used for representation.
Fire incidents in Qatar have decreased by half over the past six years ( from 2011 to 2016) thanks to efforts of the Ministry of Interior to raise safety standards, said an official.
“The General Directorate of Civil Defense (GDCD) at the ministry has achieved a big success in the safety and security sector, and has decreased fire incidents by half in the last six years”, said Brig Abdul Rahman Majid Al Sulaiti, Director, Strategic Planning Department. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by Civil Defence Department marking the World Civil Defence Day. He added that the department has data about all buildings which have safety measures, and the number of inspectors have been increased. Old buildings cant renew their licence without an approval from the Civil Defence regarding safety measures.
The event was attended by Brig Hamad Othman Al Dohaimi, Asst Director General of GDCD along with directors of several departments at the Ministry of Interior. Addressing the event on behalf of Staff Brig Abdullah Muhammad Al Sowaidi, Director General of GDCD, Brig Hamad Al Dohaimi, stated that the World Civil Defence day is marked to highlight the significant role played by the Civil Defence personnel in secuing human life from the risks posed by man-made or natural disasters. This event endorses the role played by civil defense men in the protection of life and property.
The Ministry of Interior Qatar represented by General Directorate of Civil Defence joins the world with this celebration to promote cooperation and communication with various community organisations and individuals who devote great efforts in support of civil defence in spreading awareness and assuring security and safety and to emphasise shared responsibility of everyone to achieve safety and protection of life and property. He noted that awareness programmes play a significant role in educating public on safety and delivering a message of civil defence to the public and other institutions.The Department displayed a video showing its efforts for achieving security and highlight the awareness program, in addition to highlighting some activities conducted by the department’s various sections to promote safety.
A number of government and non governmental entities were honoured for their partnership with Civil Defence Department for achieving safety and security. Among those were Traffic Awareness Department, Ezdan Group, Qatar Rail, Woqod, Mshereb Real Estate and Barwa Real Estate.
The department also displayed some latest and advanced vehicles (equipment) which recently joined department’s fleet. They included a fire-fighting truck equipped with 112 metre ladder to access high-rise buildings . Another vehicle on display can break through walls through its strong arm. The department also has conducted a competition for civil defence’s teams which was won by Wadi Al Sail team.
