The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday morning, met with traders at the burnt Fruits and Vegetables Market in D/Line, where he directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects to immediately re-design the market and commence reconstruction processes.
The governor, had last Thursday night conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the market after the fire incident was reported to him.
“Let me assure you that I have directed the Special Adviser on Special Projects so that we can rebuild the market immediately,” he said.
He reassured the traders that his administration will offer them assistance to get their lives back on track.
Wike directed the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and the councillor of the area where the market was located to work with the traders to draw up a comprehensive list of shop owners and affected traders for the government’s intervention.
He said: “Those of you who sell here, I have told the mayor and the councillor representing here to get your names, so that we can reach out to you”.
He reiterated his appeal to the affected traders to cooperate with the Rivers State Government for the necessary action.
“What I saw here yesterday and this morning is so painful. Please endure and cooperate with us. Your problem is our problem. What affects you, affects the government.
“This is your source of livelihood and we will find a way to assist you rebuild your lives”, he said.
He added that the state government will investigate the cause of the inferno.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has expressed sadness over the inferno at the Fruits and Vegetables Market, Port Harcourt, declaring that the state government will come to the aid of the affected traders.
Wike, had last Thursday night, upon hearing about the fire outbreak, led some members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the state for immediate on-the-spot assessment.
The governor who described the inferno as a great loss to the state, said that the state government would rebuild the market in no distant time.
“Government will do what it is supposed to do to ensure that the traders continued to earn a living. It is unfortunate that this has happened.
“We will look at the immediate and remote causes and we shall also come to the aid of those who are affected by the inferno. Let me assure you that we will do what we can to resolve it”, he said.
The governor called for the cooperation of everyone in the market, saying that anger on the part of the traders will not solve the problem.
He pleaded with them to remain calm, saying though the Fire Service responded late, they ought to have allowed them salvage what they could.