Fire Disaster: RSG Saves N6.4 bn Properties

The Rivers State Government says it saved over N6.4 billion worth of properties from one hundred fire disasters recorded last year.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief (Dr) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, also said that the ministry has recorded 100 fire incidents within the last six months.

Chief Ikanya said that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has approved funds for the rehabilitation and construction of four fire service stations in the state.

According to him, the Ahoada and Borikiri fire service stations are being refurbished, while new stations will be built at Degema and Rumuodumanya, opposite Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, stressing that the stations which will have accommodation and training facilities will be completed between the months of December and January 2011.

The stations according to the commissioner will be continuously upgraded to meet daily challenges as they arise and noted that the ministry will soon introduce a proactive measure to check emergency cases in the state.

On the recent flooding at Opobo town, Chief  Ikanya said his ministry will liaise with the ministries of works and environment to check re-occurrence. He said that his ministry will also liaise with the Niger Delta Affairs ministry to see areas in which the state could benefit from its activities and programmes.

He regretted that most companies operating in the state are not giving adequate attention to the issue of safety in their operations.