By Raphael Ekpang
Irked by the recent fire incident in Karu, Abuja market, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe has urged Area Council’s Authorities in the federal capital territory, (FCT) responsible for market management and revenue collection, to equip all markets with fire services featuring boreholes and fire hydrants. She said such facilities are essential components of a market’s infrastructure.
Recall that penultimate week Karu Market was engulfed by fire, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed as a result. However, Kingibe said the neglect of markets in the FCT by the Authorities is unacceptable.
Reacting to the fire incident in Karu market in FCT, while interacting with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Kingibe said she is the one representing the majority of Nigerians striving for their livelihood, engaging in commerce in FCT.
She added that the market plays a vital role in the communities, that upon hearing about the fire incidents in the market, she questioned the fire’s origin and thorough investigation is ongoing, any recent claims remain mere allegations.
The Senator representing FCT, expressed fears that post-fire incidents often result in the market being privatized through public-private partnerships with prominent developers, rendering the shops unaffordable for local traders. “I firmly believe this practice is unjust. A portion of the market has already been taken over and privatized by AMAC, and I advocate for the remaining section to remain accessible to the community to its original form but with modern upgrades.
“This leads me to my next point, I intend to communicate with the chairman of AMAC, urging him to ensure that the access roads to the market remain unobstructed.”
The Senator stressed that during her visit, she noticed that in the event of a fire, the fire trucks faced obstacles due to additional shops encroaching upon the access routes. “This scenario should be prevented through strict adherence to regulations, particularly in keeping access roads clear, which is not only crucial but mandatory”
However, on the issue of shop reallocation post-disaster, the Senator said that she will work with the authorities to make sure the owners don’t loose their shops due to unaffordable prices. “The market association maintains a documented list of stall owners, facilitating the reassignment of shops once the market is reconstructed.
“Collaboration between area councils’ bodies, potential sources of funding, and interventions from relevant agencies are crucial for the market’s restoration.
“However, it is paramount that Karu Market retains its essence as a community oriented marketplace.”
In response to queries regarding accountability for negligence in duty, she stressed the necessity of consequences for governmental officials and employees. “The absence of repercussions for misconduct underscores a systemic issue within our governance, enforcing penalties and upholding laws are fundamental to fostering a culture of responsibility among citizens and leaders alike.
“While immediate action on the market’s management is vital, a broader review of civic engagement and governance practices is imperative for sustainable change.
“As discussions continue on addressing the market’s reconstruction and ensuring affordability for shop owners, collaborative efforts with local authorities are crucial.
“The protection of citizens’ rights and livelihoods must remain at the forefront of our endeavors to prevent economic instability that may lead to security challenges.
“My commitment to supporting the affected community extends beyond mere words, as evidenced by today’s intervention. Despite my health concerns, I chose to prioritize this cause over personal matters, reflecting my unwavering dedication to serving the people,’’ Senator representing FCT expressed.
Meanwhile, the distinguished senator has continued to queried the construction of roads in FCT by the Minister, Nyesom Wike without recourse to the hardship in the land.
But while at it, Kingibe express worries over the well-being of the citizens, saying that the citizens will have to feed, have access to basic amenities before they could use good roads.
According to her, “Roads can’t be used by dead people.
