President James Michel opened the new Praslin Fire Station on the reclaimed land of Eve Island on Praslin this morning.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Joel Morgan, the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Charles Bastienne, the Minister for Health, Mrs. Mitcy Larue and the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development & Business Innovation, Mr. Michael Benstrong, the Chief Fire Officer of Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Mr. Andre Morel, officers of the agency as well as dignitaries and community members from Praslin.

President Michel said the opening of the fire station on Praslin is an historic moment which would greatly benefit the community.

"The fire station will give the Praslin community a greater sense of security and protection. The island is developing quickly and needs this extra support. This station will also give many young Praslinois the chance to be trained and work in their community. It is an important asset which will contribute to the progress and prosperity of the island," said the President.

The President toured the new facilities and spoke to the fire officers about their operations on Praslin.

The fire station was built on 2,419.74 square metres of state land on Eve Island at Baie St Anne at a cost of 30 million Seychelles Ruppees, financed entirely by the Government of Seychelles.

It forms part of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency’s Strategic Plan: 2012-2016 goal to improve response to emergencies by decentralising the services. Other new planned fire stations will be built on Mahe at Beau Vallon, Anse Royale and Ile Perserverance, and one is also planned for La Digue.

The fire station includes a disaster command centre, offices, training rooms, a library, stores, residential quarters with a recreational room, kitchen, a dining room, showers and bedrooms and an appliance bay.

35 firefighters will be based at the fire station.