Abia takes pro- active measures to prevent fire outbreaks

TO avert fire accidents, Abia State government has directed the new markets leaders to immediately put preventive measures in place in their various markets.

It was gathered that the past two years, about 100fire outbreaks/ incidents occurred in parts of the state including markets during which millions of naira were lost in cash, kind and property.

The State Trade and Investment Commissioner, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, announced the government’s directive while inaugurating the newly appointed leaders of 24 markets across the state, saying that they ( market leaders) should install functional overhead water tanks to enable easy access to water by Fire Trucks during fire incidents and as the need arises.

He told them in the presence of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Chief Michael Egwu and top officers, to also position Fire Extinguishers at various points and educate traders on their use. He cautioned them to switch off all electric gadgets in use before closing the markets each day.

Kalu said that the new markets leaders were to be united in the discharge of their duties, avoid imposing unapproved levies on traders, administer the markets in ways that will improve trading activities, boost government revenue as well as leverage the advantage the state has in trade and commerce towards making the state more economically viable. The President of Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association ( ASMATA) Lucky Akubueze, commended Governor Ikpeazu for constituting the new market leaders, promising to work harmoniously with the government and the traders to ensure the growth and progress of trade and commerce in the state.