By Hou Akot Hou
At least 68 officers from the Civil Defense Forces, formerly dubbed the Fire Brigade in South Sudan’s Warrap State, have found themselves promoted, which saw the Government of Warrap State honour them in a ceremony organised by the Acting Governor of Warrap State on Wednesday.
In a Press statement issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor, Aluel Garang, who also acts as the Acting Governor for Warrap State, the 68 officers have been promoted in the Fire Brigade in Kuajok Town, which saw them elevated into various ranks, from low ranks to Major-General, Colonel, Captain, and First Lieutenant.
While in attendance, the Director of Civil Defense erstwhile dubbed as Fire Brigade, Major Gen. Deng Majak Akuoc, was among the officers promoted from the rank of Brigadier General.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Information for Warrap State Government, Mr. William Wol Mayom, urged the newly promoted officers to quickly respond to disasters such as fire outbreaks that have recently been engulfing most of the neighbhourhoods in Kuajok Town’s marketplaces.
“It is your duty to ensure preventive measures are in place. Facilities such as petrol stations should be established at safe distances from densely populated residential areas to minimise the risk of fire outbreaks,” said Wol.
Wol underscores the need to recruit more young people into the industry in order to contain fire hazards when they break out, especially in knowing the skills of fighting the fires using equipment such as fire extinguishers, which should be handled by those who are experienced in handling them.
In a similar note, the Acting Governor, who is also the Deputy Governor, Aluel Garang, echoes a similar need to be vigilant on the hazardous effects of fire as problems of fire increase during the dry season at some points.
Ms. Garang reminds the officers being promoted to remain faithful to their work while serving the nation with a good heart of humility and integrity despite the challenges they undergo while in the line of duty.
“Use the ranks you have earned for the good of the nation. Let fire prevention remain your primary responsibility,” she lamented.
As Warrap is highly embroiled in many conflicts such as communal and cattle raid conflicts, including banditry, the Deputy Governor also reminds the newly motivated officers that they can also serve the state in curbing the state’s insecurity when the need arises.
“But also uphold your role in maintaining security and supporting Warrap State Governor, Amb. Bol Wek Agoth, in promoting peace across the state. These ranks belong to the nation, but your hearts must remain committed to protecting the civilians,” she noted.
As the ceremony ended with words of encouragement, the state government remains hopeful that with this promotion effected, incidents of fire hazards would now be contained by the men adorned, as far as developments of such fire incidents do occur, especially during the dry season, coupled with a lack of firefighting equipment.