By Christopher Tetteh
Sunyani, (Bono), Jan. 12, GNA – The Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) has called for expeditious investigations into recurring cases of market fires in the country.
A statement issued and signed by Mrs Gifty Nyarko, the Interim National President of the Association and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani described the fires as disturbing, saying the causes ought to be determined and tackled.
“There is therefore a critical need for swift investigations to ascertain the causes of the fires, especially the recent outbreak at the Kantamanto Market”, it stated.
The statement advocated strict regulations and enforcement of fire safety measures and standards, including adherence to building codes and regulations during the design, construction and maintenance of markets and other public spaces.
“The fire incidents are tragic and cause serious economic hardship to the victims and their immediate families”, it stated, calling for holistic assessment and in-depth investigations.
“These situations disrupt the local economy, cause financial losses and deeply saddened and destroy vital commercial space that provides means of income and sustenance for many,” it added.
The statement sympathised with the victims and their families, saying as urban planners, “we understand the critical importance of ensuring that markets are safely managed, properly structured and capable of withstanding emergencies”.
It urged relevant institutions, agencies and stakeholders to prioritize fire safety improvements at market places, and underlined the need for enhancing safety infrastructure, calling for the mounting of modern fire detector alarms and hydrants at strategic market locations.
The provision of regular fire safety training for traders and market women in addressing emergencies, fire prevention and fighting is also necessary.
It also called for regular inspections of electrical wiring systems to tackle the problem of short circuits and overloads in markets and other public places and gatherings.
GNA