By Stanley Onyekwere
In the wake of devastating fire outbreaks that have wreaked havoc on businesses and livelihoods in Abuja, the FCT Fire Service Department has reaffirmed its resolve towards the implementation of a comprehensive strategy focusing on prevention and enforcement by organisations, which include Ministries, Department, Agencies and Secretariats (MDAS), Market Managements in the nation’s capital city.
Making this disclosure Friday, in Abuja, the AG. Director, FCT Fire Service, Engr. Adebayo Amiola Zacchaeus, noted that incumbent upon them to ensure that public spaces reflect the highest standards of safety and organization.
Adebayo, added that some of the significant factors exacerbating fire outbreaks include poor fire safety measures, lack of fire hydrants and electrical safety, sleeping in markets and shanties, blockage of access roads and haphazard arrangement in motor parks.
To combat the issues identified, he outlined enhanced fire safety measures, strict regulation of electrical installations, clear access roads, control of shanties, banning sleeping in markets, collaboration with emergency services, public awareness campaigns, and organized market layout.
“To combat these issues, we, in the FCT Fire Service, are to see to the implementation of a comprehensive strategy focusing on prevention and enforcement by organisations, which include MDAS, Market Management, and other organisations”, he stressed.
He explained that efforts will be upscaled towards installing additional fire hydrants at strategic locations; mandating compliance with electrical safety standards and conducting regular inspections with strict penalties for non-compliance; enforcing regulations to keep access roads clear and creating designated emergency lanes for quick response.
He added it will strictly be enforcing no-sleeping regulations within markets and providing alternative accommodations for traders if necessary, demolishing illegal shanties and conducting regular inspections to prevent their re-establishment.
He revealed plans to intensity conduct of regular drills and training for market and motor park stakeholders and establishing rapid response teams for emergencies.
Furthermore, the director also identified recurring incidents of building collapses and other emergencies required stringent building regulations and regular safety inspections.
He called upon all stakeholders, including traders, market authorities, and government agencies, to cooperate in implementing these measures.
“In recent times, we have witnessed devastating market fires that have wreaked havoc on businesses and livelihoods. The recent one is Karu Market. These incidents not only cause financial losses but also endanger lives.
“A significant factor exacerbating these fires is the blockage of access roads. Emergency responders are often hindered by obstructed routes, delaying crucial time of interventions and exacerbating the damage.
“Together, we can ensure that Abuja remains a safe, organized, and exemplary city for all. Let us work hand in hand to create a secure environment where businesses can thrive, and lives are protected”, he stated.
