In response to the recent surge in fire incidents within markets and various business premises, the Abia State Government has raised the possibility of relocating the motor parks situated along Milverton Avenue in Aba to a more suitable location, aiming to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Governor Alex Otti, after surveying the aftermath of a devastating fire that ravaged vehicles, equipment, and parts of the Chisco Transport Company’s bus terminal on Wednesday night, labeled the Milverton Avenue parks as potential disaster zones due to their congested nature.
During an on-site evaluation of the fire’s impact on Thursday, Governor Otti emphasized the overcrowded conditions of the Chisco park and others along the approximately one-kilometer stretch, emphasizing the urgency of relocation. He proposed assessing alternative locations such as Osisioma and Port Harcourt Road, where more spacious facilities could accommodate the displaced parks from Milverton Avenue.
“We must consider relocating these parks to areas with more room. The current clustering poses significant risks. We’ll explore options at Osisioma and Port Harcourt Road to ensure smoother operations and enhanced safety,” stated Governor Otti.
He mandated that all businesses across the state install fire extinguishers on their premises, with enforcement scheduled to commence the following week. Additionally, the Governor announced plans to acquire additional fire trucks to supplement the existing fleet in Aba, acknowledging the challenges faced during the recent fire incident and commending the efforts of the state fire service.
Expressing regret over the series of fire outbreaks in Aba in recent weeks, Governor Otti urged for improved precautionary measures to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the necessity of compliance with fire safety protocols.
“We must learn from these incidents. Every facility must have fire extinguishers, and we’ll enforce this strictly. Additionally, we’ll invest in more fire trucks to bolster our firefighting capabilities,” he asserted.
Governor Otti extended condolences to Chisco Transport Company for their losses and assured governmental assistance to alleviate the impact. Joined by Aba South Mayor Chief Uche Wogu and Aba North Mayor Chief John Udeagbala during the visit, he praised the swift response of the fire service and thanked the community for their support in extinguishing the fire.
Chief Wogu echoed Governor Otti’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for transport companies to adhere to the government’s proposed relocation plan to ensure safety and efficiency. He condemned the presence of diesel dumps near the parks, which potentially exacerbated the fire, urging for stricter regulations.
Providing insight into the fire’s origin, Chisco Company’s Park Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwosu, attributed it to a spark generated while attempting to switch power sources for water pumping. He appealed for government assistance to mitigate the company’s losses, which included luxury buses, motorcycles, and other assets consumed by the inferno.