Anambra to Purchase More Fire Trucks, Sink Boreholes, Construct Access Roads in Markets – Deputy Governor

Anambra State Government says that it will procure more fire trucks, sink boreholes, and construct access roads in markets in the state.

Dr Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor and Chairman Onitsha Fire Panel of Inquiry announced this when the committee visited scene of the disaster to ascertain level of damages.

The committee was at the scene of the disaster to find out the number of people affected and to evaluate the condition of the buildings that were torched.

``Government has promised to procure more fire trucks, sink boreholes that will supply water, construct access roads, in order to combat any mishaps in markets," he said.

Dr Okeke re-assured the people that the committee would harmonise the list of shops and people affected, in order to ensure that only victims of the disaster were given the needed assistance.

He said that the state government had empathised with the victims and would execute measures that would prevent a recurrence of such a disaster.

``As a state, we will continue to make life better’’.

Traders were seen rebuilding their shops and getting ready for what could be termed yuletide season trading.

While commending their resilient spirit, Dr Okeke emphasised the need to educate Anambra traders on importance of taking insurance cover for their goods as a veritable method to protect their business.

He assured them that the state would compensate them for the losses they suffered before Christmas festivities, when the committee would have concluded compilation of the victims and what was lost.

Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, Mr Emeka Ezenwanne, affirmed that directive had been given to his Ministry to drill more boreholes in markets in Anambra and that work has started immediately.

Ezenwanne highlighted the need for availability of fire extinguishers in public places, which could be used during fire outbreaks to reduce the intensity of fire before the arrival of fire fighters.

He disclosed that officers of Anambra State Physical Planning Board have visited the scene of the incident to conduct integrity test on the burnt buildings to ascertain scientifically their condition.

One of the traders, Mr Chidiebere Duru solicited help from government, saying that he had been unable to feed his family as fallout of the incident.

Also, Fidelia Okoye, a widow, said that the house, in which she and her four children were living, was razed by the fire.

She called on government for assistance.

``We have no place to live. The fire has taken our home and livelihood,’’ she cried.