THE National Fire Authority (NFA) has commissioned its first training facility since its establishment 31 years ago, with chief executive officer Sowane Puamau stressing the need to strengthen firefighters’ skills to respond to increasingly complex emergencies.
The $550,000 Training and Secondary Disaster Recovery Hub was commissioned at Nakasi Fire Station yesterday, alongside the launch of the NFA Strategic Development Plan 2027–2031.
Mr Puamau said the facility marked a significant milestone for the Authority.
“The training centre just commissioned carries the pride of the National Fire Authority given that this is the first ever training facility ever constructed since the establishment of the Authority 31 years ago in 1995,” Mr Puamau said.
He said rapid climate shifts and technological advancements were changing the nature of emergency response, making continuous training and capacity building essential.
“Emergency response is no longer just about reacting to conventional structural fires; it is about managing complex, unpredictable, and multi-hazard environments.”
Mr Puamau said the authority’s five-year strategic plan outlined five priorities, including operational readiness, infrastructure modernisation, community fire safety, workforce wellbeing and organisational sustainability.
“This is our promise to the people of Fiji, and it will require the support and great commitment of the Government to enable us to deliver.”
Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the commissioning and strategic plan launch demonstrated the Government’s commitment to strengthening emergency services and building resilient communities.
“As Fiji continues to grow, our communities face changing risks and increasingly complex emergencies,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“This requires an emergency service that is well-equipped, professionally trained and prepared to respond effectively.”
He said the 2027–2031 plan focused on achievable outcomes, accountability, effective resource utilisation and sustainable development.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane (third from left) and Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa with guests infront of the new training centre in Nakasi yesterday. Picture: RAKESH KUMAR
