Otto Carrington
Senior Reporter
otto.carrington@cnc3.co.tt
The San Juan Business Association (SJBA) is renewing its urgent call to the Government to stop spending money on repairs and instead relocate the San Juan Fire Station to a safer, more accessible site.
SJBA president Abrahim Ali expressed deep frustration that after more than 20 years of appeals, the fire station remains stuck in its current location in the Croisée, creating serious challenges for emergency response.
“Don’t waste public funds on patchwork repairs,” Ali said. “The fire station must be relocated immediately to ensure quicker response times and better working conditions for fire officers.”
He outlined key concerns: the station’s position in heavy traffic causes dangerous delays when fire trucks respond to emergencies; its proximity to the Priority Bus Route exposes officers to toxic vehicle emissions a hazard confirmed by reports from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and Cariri; and the station itself is outdated and ill-equipped despite covering a vast area including St Joseph, Mt Lambert, Champs Fleurs, Aranguez, El Socorro, Barataria, and beyond.
The business association has identified a better location next to the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation compound on the Uriah Butler Highway.
This site, close to the Priority Bus Route and Eastern Main Road, would allow fire services to reach all parts of their extensive coverage area more efficiently.
“We urge the Government to act now,” Ali said. “Relocate the station and provide the people of San Juan with the emergency services they deserve—no more delays, no more excuses.”