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PR/13/2015 Jerusalem
09 JUNE 2015
EU provides rapid response and support vehicles
and equipment for the Palestinian Civil Defence
The European Union Representative, John Gatt-Rutter, handed over today a total of 14 vehicles including five rapid response vehicles and nine administrative support vehicles to General Mahmoud Issa, the Director General of the Palestinian Civil Defence (PCD). Twelve Mobile Lighting Masts and fifteen mobile electric generators were also delivered to facilitate rescue operations by the PCD at night. This is part of a 3.7 million euro grant of equipment by the EU to the Palestinian Civil Defence.
"The Palestinian Civil Defence has shown itself to be an increasingly professional rescue force, able to serve the community in difficult circumstances. We have witnessed a remarkable development in its capacity over the past few years," said the EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter. "The EU will continue to support the Palestinian Civil Defence in building enhancing its resources in the service of the Palestinian people. The vehicles and equipment that we have provided today will make a real difference to the day to day rescue activities of the Palestinian Civil Defence. In a few months we will deliver another further practical support including 9 fire engines and 3 rescue trucks."
This contribution represents the European Union's support to the Palestinian Authority and the crucial work done by the Palestinian Civil Defence. This contribution will expand the coverage of the civil protection services to new areas in the West Bank and will reduce the response time to potential incidents. The equipment will also help the PCD to increase its capacity to function effectively in the case of natural disasters.
The EU's support aims at providing critical equipment for the rescue, administrative and rapid response functions of the PCD in line with the Master Plan for Capital Investment financed by EU in 2012.
This first group of equipment that handed over today includes five four by four rapid response trucks equipped with all necessary rescue tools. The vehicles will serve Jerusalem district, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarem, Tubas and Bethlehem Civil Defence Regional Centres. Nine administrative support vehicles were also delivered to the PCD headquarters in order to improve responses to emergencies. Twelve mobile lighting masts and fifteen mobile electric generators have also been supplied to improve rescue operations.
Contacts:
The Office of the European Union Representative: Shadi Othman (02 5415 867, 0599 673 958) http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/
Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: European Union (EU), PEGASE
Subject: Assistance
Publication Date: 09/06/2015