Manama-Feb28(BNA) The Kingdom of Bahrain has joined the world to celebrate the World Civil Defence Day, His Excellency Minister of Interior Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, has said.

“This year, the day will be marked under the theme ‘Civil Defense and preparation of civil societies for the prevention of disasters’. The celebration of this occasion is in accordance with the General Assembly resolution IX of the International Organization of Civil Protection, which was adopted in December 1990.

“In this day I express appreciation to civil defence personnel for their efforts to provide general safety and protect lives, property and national wealth,” he said. “Thanks to the support of the leadership and its recognition of the importance of rescue operations, the Civil Defence has been equipped with trained human resources, hi-tech devices and communication systems to meet safety requirements in view of the modernisation Bahrain is witnessing. With the rise in the number of factories and the resultant emission of gases and the consequent pollution there is constant monitoring and follow up to deal with the issue through evaluation and the suggestion of solutions.

To achieve the concept of partnership, NGOs should be prepare to prevent disasters and encourage the formation of voluntary teams to be trained on rescue operations as a backup for civil defence personnel,” the Minister highlighted.

The success of civil defence requires cooperation and coordination between organisations and individuals. This occurred in Bahrain as part of the awareness of citizens and their support to civil defence. Cooperation with civil defence, implementation of general safety as well as organizing education programmes are part of the approach to prepare NGOs to be partners in tacking disasters.

AHN