Riffa: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, inaugurated the new Civil Defence Centre in Riffa. The Minister was received by Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security; His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate; and Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior. Upon arrival, the Interior Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the new centre.
According to Bahrain News Agency, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa commended the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Ministry of Interior's development and modernisation process. He noted the ministry's integrated approach to ensuring public safety and delivering modern security services through various initiatives and programmes.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the role of Civil Defence in protecting lives and property, and enhancing public safety. He lauded the professionalism, preparedness, and field expertise of Civil Defence personnel, highlighting their dedication and bravery in responding to incidents.
He emphasised the importance of compliance with Civil Defence requirements, equipping centres with the necessary personnel, services, and equipment to ensure efficient operations and rapid response.
The Interior Minister also underscored the importance of awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community outreach programmes in strengthening public security awareness. He noted the importance of using modern technologies to build a secure society based on community partnership. He highlighted the launch of the national platform for civil protection in November 2023 as a national initiative to enhance public safety and reduce disaster risks.
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the new centre's functions. The specialised facility was established to provide fast and effective emergency response in light of growing commercial, residential, and service developments in the Riffa area. The briefing highlighted the Government Action Plan (2023-2026), which emphasises readiness to face emergencies and disasters. It also aligns with the Ministry's goal of creating a safe environment by ensuring swift response and enhancing security preparedness as part of crisis management.
The geographical coverage and location of the centre were reviewed, with officials noting that response times have been reduced to six minutes. The Minister also received briefings from the Works Directorate on the facility's infrastructure and from the National Ambulance.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa toured the centre's facilities, including the operations room, vehicle zone, and National Ambulance area. He underlined the importance of continued dedication and prompt response to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and residents.