Adum PZ Fire: Stop Using Gas Cylinders in Markets- Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to market traders to stop using gas cylinders as well as preparing meals in markets.
He observes that this activity accounts for the numerous fire outbreaks in the various markets.
On a visit to the Adum PZ where fire engulfed commercial storey buildings on Friday, March 21, he described the scenes as unfortunate and urged traders to take proactive actions to forestall such incidents.
According to him, a market is not a place to cook meals.
“As we stand, we hear explosions in the fire. It is gas cylinders exploding. We don’t have to use gas cylinders in markets. We don’t have to cook in markets. When you want to eat, you go out to buy food or you prepare the meal from home. Gas cookers are responsible for these events.”
Layout
Additionally, he highlighted the layout of the various markets in the country as problematic.
“The firefighters told me their major challenge was accessing the scene. This is the case in most of our markets so when there is fire, the fighters find difficulty dousing it. We have to learn from this and plan the layout of our markets to forestall such incidents… We have to relook at our market layout to forestall this.”
He disclosed that a meeting will be held between the Regional Minister and traders on this.
Investigation
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the president noted that a thorough investigation would be instituted to ascertain the cause of the fire.
“It’s unfortunate. The sight of goods and shops burnt is disheartening. First of all, I would thank the Fire Service for its effort to control the fire. After this, we will investigate the cause of the fire.”
Relief
He also announced necessary support for the victims.
“We have called in NADMO to find relief for the victims. We will also speak with the Chief of Staff so that we find some kind of support for the victims… I sympathize with the victims and I assure them that the government will find relief for them.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
