The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service Department has banned traders from sleeping in FCT markets to curb incidents of fire outbreaks in the markets.
The acting Director of the department, Mr Adebayo Amiola made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja, recently.
According to Amiola, the ban was in line with implementation of emergency jurisdiction of the department’s mandate.
Amiola, who expressed concern over the 226 fire incidents recorded in the FCT from January to June, added that sleeping in markets among other careless human practices contributed to high incidents of fire outbreaks.
He said that the Fire Service would enforce no-sleeping regulations within markets and also advocated the provision of alternative accommodations for traders where necessary.
According to him, building of shanties within the market increases the risk of burning and infernos, stating that the department will equally demolish illegal shanties and conduct regular inspections to prevent their re-establishment.
He said: “Disorganised layouts impede movement and accessibility, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate during crises.”
“These issues are not confined to markets alone but extend to our motor parks, where similar safety and organisational problems are prevalent.
“In recent times, we have witnessed devastating market fires that have wreaked havoc on businesses and livelihoods.
Amiola also said that the fire service department was equally challenged by inadequate number of fire hydrants in markets, calling all stakeholders, including traders, market authorities and government agencies to cooperate in implementing the proactive measures designed to prevent fire outbreaks.
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