By Saskia Warrick | February 4, 2025
Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country will soon be equipped with mobile firefighting equipment as part of a broader initiative to strengthen local emergency response efforts.
The measure falls under the $2.8 billion allocation for local government bodies within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s $41.9 billion budget, recently approved by the Committee of Supply.
With the distribution of firefighting vehicles, NDCs will serve as first responders to community fires, reducing response times and potentially preventing extensive damage.
A total of 40 firefighting vehicles have already arrived and will be distributed to various locations in the coming weeks.
Additionally, this year’s budget includes a $5 million allocation for NDCs, along with grants of either $4 million or $5 million per council.
Municipalities will receive $18 million, while Georgetown has been allocated a larger sum of $30 million.
These financial provisions will be supplemented with new equipment to improve waste disposal services in communities.
Further investments will also be directed toward upgrading market infrastructure and enhancing waste management facilities nationwide.