Levuka Fire Station Recommissioned: A New Era of Safety and Resilience

Levuka, Fiji – August 21, 2024 – In a momentous occasion, last Thursday 22^nd August 2024 for the historic town of Levuka, the Minister for Local Government & Housing - Honourable Maciu K. Nalumisa officially recommissioned the Levuka Fire Station.

The recommissioning ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, alongside Tui Levuka, esteemed invitees, members of the media, and the NFA's Senior Management Team.

This event marks a significant milestone in the NFA's commitment to enhancing fire safety and emergency response capabilities in one of Fiji's most storied communities – The old Capital of Fiji – Levuka.

A New Chapter for Levuka's Fire Station

The Levuka Fire Station, originally opened on March 30, 2006, and since then, has undergone several station location drifts.

After operating from various locations, including Hennings Lane, Church Lane, and Butcher Lane, the station now finds its permanent home on The Beach Road. The new site, located on the historically significant Binner Estate, represents a strategic advancement in the NFA’s vision for fire safety.

The comprehensive refurbishment, costing approximately $400,000, includes significant upgrades:

• Exterior and Interior Painting: Freshly painted walls enhance both aesthetics and durability.
• New Roller Shutter Doors: Replaced to improve security and functionality.
• Extension of STO Office: Expanded to accommodate growing needs.
• New Conference/Meeting Room: Facilitates training and departmental meetings.
• Dormitory Expansion: Increased from 4 to 8 beds, with new lockers and air conditioning.
• New Kitchen: Added to support station staff.
• Upgraded Climate Control: Installation of air conditioning units and wall-mounted fans.

The refurbishment also includes a new septic tank for improved hygiene and future expansion.

A Legacy of Safety in Levuka

Levuka, with a population of 10,000, is renowned for its rich history as initially, Fiji's Capital. The town is home to several, historical landmarks, including the Royal Hotel, the first police station, and Marist Covenant School – officially the nations first primary school. The Levuka Fire Station plays a critical role in safeguarding a range of vital facilities, including 47 businesses, 16 schools, and various health and government institutions.

However, as our society has evolved, so too has the scope and vision of the NFA. From just a firefighting service provider it has incorporated and become a comprehensive emergency response organization prepared to tackle a wide array of challenges.

The history of the NFA is rich with stories of bravery and resilience. For years, our dedicated firefighters have risked their lives to protect homes, businesses, and natural landscapes from the devastating effects of fire.

Notwithstanding, in recognizing the growing complexity of emergencies and disasters, the NFA has embarked on a transformative journey. It has evolved from a traditional firefighting operation to a multifaceted emergency response entity.

Government Support and Future Plans in Fruition

The Honorable Minister of Housing and Local Government, - HON. MACIU NALUMISA KATAMOTU told the attendees, whilst recommissioning the NFA’s revamped Levuka Fire Station, this is the answer to the earlier problems the Levuka Fire station officers faced. He reminisced about an earlier visit that he had made to the old Levuka Fire station and had a Talanoa session with the employees. During that discussion the staff told him about the difficulties that they were facing with the old facility. This he then highlighted to the CEO Mr. Puamau T. Sowane, who took it upon his shoulders to address these issues and make a change for the betterment. The rest, as we say became history. The Honorable Minister acknowledged the CEO and his team’s contribution in the refurbishment of the Levuka Fire Station., which addressed and eradicated those issues of concern.

 

The fresh look of the Levuka Fire station indeed is more than a physical cosmetic change; it is a symbol of NFA’s evolving identity and the Coalition Government’s broader responsibilities that it embraces.

 

The NFA's Evolving Role

The NFA continues to evolve beyond being the traditional fire response institution encompasses a broader range of emergency management services, including fire prevention, emergency medical services, and community education programs. With 21 fire stations across Fiji, including 8 commissioned in the past five years, the NFA is dedicated to fostering a safe and resilient Fiji.

We are blessed that no major fire has occurred in Levuka, especially considering the elevated risk posed by the town's structures.

Many of structures are over 100 years old and are listed under UNESCO's World Heritage program.

The current state of the conditions of existing buildings places it at a substantial risk, and there is an urgent need for not only increased government funding but also support from the broader community of stakeholders to invest in Levuka’ s heritage and safety.

The Public Private Partnership is essential to ensuring the continued protection of this historic town and its people.

Mr. Sowane stated, its employees are the champions who ensure that the community is safer by unselfishly putting their lives on the line. This aspect of their commitment has not gone unnoticed.

He said “through good leadership and the support of the Coalition Government, they can mitigate the risks and ensure that the working environment, the stations, the operational equipment, and the medical care is at the best possible level.

Training & Development is paramount and at NFA, it has become a norm to keep improving, internally as an institution for fire safety and emergency, and externally, a composition of stakeholder management and service delivery.”

 

A Commitment to the Future

Mr. Sowane stated that “The recommissioning of the Levuka Fire Station symbolizes NFA's enduring commitment to protecting and serving the people of Levuka. As the authority continues to expand its capabilities and enhance its infrastructure, it remains steadfast in its core values of bravery, service, and community.

The Government has ensured to fund the Authority’s diligent operating and capital expenditure like no other previous governments has done before.

In total the Coalition government has funded $6.1m for operations and $2.1m for Ambulance services expenditure for the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year.

The National Fire Authority looks forward to a future where every community in Fiji is safeguarded by state-of-the-art emergency services, guided by the principles of unity and collaboration.”

 

-ENDS-