NCAC hands over Fire Brigade Bill to Minister for Constitutional Affairs
The National Constitutional Affairs Committee (NCAC) has on Thursday handed over the National Fire Brigade ServiceBill, 2019 to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The Bill is drafted in conformity with the Constitutional, legal and political guiding principles, objectives and ideals in the Revitalised Agreement including, promotion, protection and respect for human rights and the rule of law, constitutional and democratic governance in the Republic of South Sudan, during and after the Transitional Period as stipulated under the Agreement. It responds to the need of the Service to have a legal framework.
The Bill provides for consultation and agreement between the President, theFirst Vice President and the four Vice Presidents;enhancement of the provisions on the protection of human rightsand respect for humanitarian law;safeguarding against abuse of power by personnel and incorporation of the 35% representation of women.
More specifically, the Bill has provisions on the Establishment, Structure, Functions and Powers of the National Fire Brigade Service, Command of the National Fire Brigade Service. It establishes a Fire Brigade Service Council and provides for its composition and functions. The Bill further provides for the establishment of the National Fire Brigade Service Collegeand sets out the eligibility requirements for admission to the College, and provides for allocation of at least thirty-five percentof those admitted to be women. It also provides for the appointment, commissioning, promotion, discharge, secondment and assignment of National Fire Brigade personnel.
The issues of budget and Audit are also addressed as are Privileges, Other Entitlements and Immunities and Limitations on Liability. The Bill also provides for the establishment and jurisdiction of Disciplinary Boards with regard to disciplinary contraventions.
"The submission of the Bill is a milestone in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and demonstrates the Parties’ commitment to implement the Agreement. It is the final Bill that was required for the establishment of the legal framework for the necessary security reforms during this period," said NCAC Chairperson, Mr. Gichira Kibara.
