Eleven new Civil Defence centres will be set up in Sharjah, bringing the total to 17 throughout the emirate, according to Maj. Gen. Humaid Ali Saif, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative and Planning Affairs in the Ministry of Interior. Saif said that work was underway on seven centres, but the rest were still in the proposal stage. "There are currently six Civil Defence centres in Sharjah, and the ministry's plan is to have 17."

Saif urged authorities to update the ministry on the need for Civil Defence centres and equipment. "We have not received maps showing the locations of the proposed centres." He was addressing the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) on Wednesday on the policies and projects of Sharjah Civil Defence.

"We are very concerned and want to know that the Civil Defence is well equipped and capable of dealing with any emergency and protecting people and property," Speaker Salem bin Hamad Al Shamsi said. Al Shamsi stressed the importance of adopting modern scientific techniques and integrated control and training programmes.

Councilman Mohammed Al Sahi said that the Civil Defence should be provided with modern facilities and equipment and well-trained personnel. "More Civil Defence centres should be established throughout the emirate, including the remote areas." Councilman Mohammed Ali Al Sarkal wondered whether the three water tankers currently available were sufficient to handle fires and emergencies throughout the emirate, which now has more than 50,000 residences plus a large number of industrial and commercial establishments.

"Every new residential area should be provided with a well-equipped Civil Defence centre," Al Sarkal said. Many buildings lack the necessary safety and security devices. "Landlords should be asked to sign contracts with specialised maintenance companies, which should be responsible for safety and security in the buildings," he said.