Alliance plans new Rooke fire station

The GSLP/Liberal Alliance yesterday reiterated its commitment to providing a new Fire Station at the Rooke site if re-elected to Government on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing just days ahead of the general election, Alliance candidate Gilbert Licudi said the delay in proceeding with the project sooner was a result of continued discussions with the proposed developer.

Additionally, the party has also vowed to invest in a new fire training facility. This will be available for fire and heat training by the GFRS, the Airport Fire and Rescue Service and the Gibraltar Maritime Academy.

According to the Alliance this will be a modern, technologically advanced facility and will have environmental protection features with emission expected to be close to zero.

In respect of investing in equipment, Mr Licudi said a turntable ladder which will allow the GFRS to tackle fires and rescues in higher buildings will be purchased.

In Government Mr Licudi held a portfolio that included responsibility for the University of Gibraltar.

He told reporters that the University expects to double the number of students this year, compared to last year.

The university will also be able to welcome a greater number of international students with the addition of the student accommodation which has 144 student rooms.

The Government has made available to the University the rest of the old St Christopher’s school. This will allow the expansion of the University’s Europa Point campus.

It also allows the University to accommodate the Gibraltar Maritime Academy which will, as from next year, offer maritime science degrees to those seeking careers at sea as deck or engineer officers.

It will also provide professional development courses to those already working in a maritime environment.

In respect of the Port, if re-elected the next term of office will see the addition of a new launch for the Gibraltar Port Authority as well as the reconditioning of the exiting launch.