Team Herald
pernem: The government is focusing on various projects in the taluka, but is not focusing on what Pernem taluka needs urgently, a full-fledged fire station.
The present fire station of Pernem is housed in the administrative building located in the town. However, the station lacks the much-needed facilities at present as it is equipped with a lone emergency vehicle, a fire tender and ambulance; and also faces a staff crunch.
Due to space constraints, the present staff members are forced to carry out their office work in the barracks. However, during the night shift, the kitchen serves as accommodation facility.
The station caters to emergency needs of the entire taluka, which comprises of two constituencies namely Mandrem and Pernem, 19 panchayats and the lone municipality.
Meanwhile, the current building is need of urgent repairs as its walls have developed cracks with the cement from the pillars and the ceiling peeling off. The file for the repair work has been processed. Secondly, the in-charge is also looking for a temporary place to shift the station once the repair work begins.
“The PWD has to tender the work, after which the building can be repaired. The work is estimated to cost Rs 16 lakh. Also we are looking for a place to shift the fire station office after the repair work begins. This place should be ideal for parking of fire tenders and for office setup, as it provides easy access to the vehicles during emergencies,”said Pernem Fire Station in-charge Dilip Gawas.
