Christofides: Delayed Firefighter Hiring After Limassol Fires

AKEL Nicosia MP, Christos Christofides, denounced delays in the hiring of firefighters, fire watchers, and forest workers, following the devastating fires in Limassol. According to Mr. Christofides, the Department of Forests had requested approval for hiring since January to cover needs during the summer. However, the positions were approved and announced in mid to late July, resulting in the recruitments being expected in late September.

Mr. Christofides emphasized that the Department of Forests had sent a letter marked "Very Urgent" on January 9, requesting the approval of recruitments no later than February 14. A second letter followed on April 2, due to increased needs. Approval was finally given on July 16, after a deadly fire, and interviews are scheduled for mid-September.

The AKEL MP highlighted the inadequacy in central planning and the lack of political will to support the Department of Forests, despite government assurances of readiness.