SINGAPORE: Response time to emergencies on Sentosa
could soon be halved, with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
lining up plans to build a new fire station to cater to the
increase in infrastructure and population density on the
island.
The proposed four-storey building will replace the
four-year-old Sentosa Fire Post, according to a Request for
Information (RFI) posted on June 19 on government tender website
GeBIZ.
Besides providing emergency fire and ambulance
services, security has also been cited as "a top concern".
"To provide sufficient first-response coverage at the most timely
intervention to the island in any case of terrorist threats, SPF
(Singapore Police Force) Special Operations Command will also
deploy a unit at the same premises to effectively perform its
function swiftly and effectively in responding and containing any
terrorist or criminal attacks on the island," said the SCDF's RFI
document.
The SCDF said the new fire station will be completed by the end of
2014. It is seeking project management consultancy services for the
development of the new station, estimated to cost S$19.8 million,
according to tender papers.
Currently, intervention for fire outbreaks are provided first by
the Sentosa Fire Post, which houses a four-man crew, and one light
fire attack vehicle.
Additional resources from the nearest full-fledged Alexandra Fire
Station would take an average of 15 minutes, under good traffic
conditions, to reach the most remote part of Sentosa.
The SCDF is hoping to cut the response time for fire rescue to
eight minutes after it has been notified. In addition, the station
could also provide emergency response coverage to the Harbourfront
area.
Noting that daily visitor numbers to Sentosa increased by more than
two-fold within the last three years, the SCDF said in tender
documents: "The increase in infrastructure, as well as population
density and activities, incidents on Sentosa Island would have a
greater impact in terms of the extent of damage and casualty
numbers."
Today, Sentosa receives over 19 million visitors annually and is
home to more than 200 attractions, hotels, beach bars, retail
outlets, as well as the Sentosa Cove residential enclave, which has
more than 4,000 residents.
In its media response, the SCDF said there are plans for this new
station to incorporate environmental friendly features, such as the
use of NEWater in the fire station and the installation of solar
panels at various parts of the station. The Sentosa Fire Station
will also supplement the existing 16 fire stations
island-wide.
Sentosa Leisure Group's Rangers Department director Koh Piak Huat
told MediaCorp that the planned expansion of the Sentosa Fire
Station "is part of the island's long-term safety and security plan
to boost the island's resilience and responsiveness during
emergencies".
Regulars like Michelle Goh, 27, who visits Sentosa at least once a
month, felt the enhanced security and fire prevention measures are
essential in providing a faster response.
"Visitors will definitely feel safer and tourists will also feel
more secure to spend long hours on the island," she added.
- TODAY