Worried by the devastating tragic incidents of fire outbreaks in Plateau State, the Lawmaker representing Langtang North North constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Abel Nimchak has called on the state government to revamp the state fire service for optimal performance.
The Lawmaker made the call on Monday during the House plenary at the Old Government House, Rayfield Jos, the temporary sitting venue of the State Assembly where he said by statistics, in November alone, about 35 fire incidences were recorded across the state.
He said the State Fire Service is currently facing the challenges of Lack of offices, insufficient funding, inadequate staff, outdated equipment and vehicles which is hindering the fire service’s ability to provide adequate services across Plateau State most particularly in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
Hon. Nimchak who is the Chairman House Committee on Housing and Urban Development noted that the call became imperative considering the recent fire outbreak in Katako market where properties worth billions of naira were lost.
He added that worthy of note also is the recent fire inferno in Zamko market of his constituency that was brought under control through community intervention and the most recent, was the one close to Old Airport roundabout that completely razed the whole complex with several shops among other series of fire outbreaks in the state.
In his submission, Hon. Nimchak said it is their responsibility to put legislation that will make Government provide funding, modern fire fighting equipment and vehicle as well as conduct recruitment and training of Staff that will help in fighting fire outbreaks across Plateau State.
“Now therefore, I call on this Honorable House to resolve to call on the Plateau State Government to, Provide adequate funding,fire fighting vehicles,modern communication equipment and modern fire fighting equipment that will help in fighting fire outbreaks in Plateau State.
“Allocate necessary funds for the construction of the State Fire Service’s infrastructure in Headquarters and Stations that will house fire trucks equipment and personnel.
“Recruit and train staff that will be engaging the public to create awareness and education on fire safety and prevention.
“Direct Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Public and Private Property Owners in Plateau State to have functional fire fighting equipment in their premises.” He added
Hon. Nimchak opined that the core mandate of every responsible government is to protect the lives and property of it’s citizens, hence the need to let the government know the happenings around the state for necessary action.