By Sylvester W. Korwor, LINA Bong County Correspondent
GBARNGA, August 20 (LINA) – The Liberia National Fire Service has hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., for revitalizing the sector, while urging the Legislature to increase budgetary support to sustain progress.
Speaking Saturday, August 15, at the official dedication of Bong County’s first assigned fire truck in more than five decades, Fire Service Director General Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul commended the government for donating six fire engines nationwide. He clarified that contrary to rumors, the service received six not more and stressed the urgent need for additional trucks to cover all fifteen counties.
Col. Barvoul appealed to lawmakers to expand NFSL’s budget to recruit more officers, noting that stronger manpower and logistics are critical to reducing loss of lives and property from fire disasters. He also called on Bong County authorities to construct an additional fire station, citing the county’s vast topography.
Bong County Senator Prince Moye reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to the fire service, pledging to push for increased funding in the 2027 national budget. He further promised to ensure NFSL officers are registered with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) to secure retirement benefits.
The newly dedicated Gbarnga fire station was built through Senator Moye’s personal initiative, following requests from NFSL and the Gbarnga City Corporation. The station’s completion paved the way for the county to receive its first fire truck.
Officials recalled President Boakai’s intervention in 2024, when he raised concerns over the absence of a budget line for NFSL. His advocacy prompted legislative action that funded the procurement of the initial six trucks.
The ceremony drew dozens of county leaders, including Administrative Officer D. Sam B. Elliott Sr., Bong County University President Dr. Alfredson Taikerweyah, and Council Chairman Aaron Sackie Fen-lah. They praised the government’s “timely achievement,” referencing the tragic 2023 Totota tanker explosion that claimed over 90 lives.
Meanwhile, Gbarnga City Mayor Galah Varpilah urged residents and business owners to procure fire extinguishers, warning that compliance will be strictly enforced. He announced joint inspections with NFSL’s Bong County detachment and appealed for cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works in opening major alleyways across the city.