Traders in Port
Harcourt have called on the Rivers State Government to put machineries on ground that could help to prevent the incidence of fire outbreak.
The traders recalled that over the years that they have lost property worth millions of Naira to fire out-break.
A trader, in Rumunwoji Market Mile 1, who gave her name as Mrs. Wome Ngozi, said that fire incidence has sent many of her colleagues out of business.
She said if the state government can station fire service operative at each market in the area it could help in quick intervention in case of fire outbreak.
Ngozi explained that part of the loss incurred during fire incidence, was due to late arrival of fire fighters.
Another trader Mr. Mike Obi, appealed to the government to make available more firefighting equipment to fire service Department.
He said in some cases, they complain of shortage of materials, hence the alleged late arrival to fire site.
Obi who claimed to be public spirited, said there was urgent need to ensure that the markets in the state are placed on 24-hour watch due to the harmattan season.
The trader maintained that availability of fire servicemen in the markets would be a major way in plans to curb fire incidences in market places.
In her view, Ms Faith Woke, who supported the ideas of her colleagues, said a taskforce to check reckless smoking and display of fireworks should be placed around market areas.
She reasoned that most fire cases were as a result of careless smoking around market places at odd hours.
Others who also named the market fire incidences on sabotage, said members must learn how not to revenge on their colleagues by destroying their wares in any form.