Forestry dept gets 108 staff boost

The immediate hiring of 108 contract workers for the Forestry Department was approved on Wednesday by the cabinet.

The new staff will cover needs in “firefighters, special vehicle operators and fireguards”.

Announcing the good news, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said the cabinet also decided to promote a series of measures with financial incentives to enhance prevention in areas close to forests.

These measures include a pilot programme for controlled grazing...