Rivers
Obalga SOLAD Presents Fire Extinguishers To Council …. Commiserates With traders over Rumuomasi Market Fire
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter, has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the Council.
Dr. Walter, who spoke to newsmen at the Council’s premises at Rumuodumanya, said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforseen fire incidences.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
he also commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Walter, who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by fire, described it as unfortunate.
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, he acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses”, he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fire can be ignited, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritize safety”, he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place”, he stated.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied the LGA boss during the inspection, identified “K-Lane” as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the Council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma, said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, Sir Walter has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with the view to identifying and removing all blockages, including illegal structures hindering the free flow of water in the area.
A statement from Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorized barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr. Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endangered communities and undermine Government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and effectively functional.
He also warned against further dumping of wastes in waterways, citing impending flooding.