Concerned about the need to tackle recurring fire outbreaks and protect lives and property, the Cross River State government has begun efforts to revive its emergency fire service operations.
The initiative is part of a deliberate plan to rehabilitate essential infrastructure and improve efficiency in curbing the rising cases of fire incidents across the state.
Under the rehabilitation scheme, the Calabar base is expected to be the first to return to full operational capacity after more than a decade of neglect.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr Gilbert Agbor, disclosed this during an inspection of facilities at the State Fire Service Headquarters on Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar.
Agbor, who was accompanied by members of the Asset Recovery Committee, said Governor Bassey Otu’s approval for the rehabilitation of the fire service infrastructure demonstrates his administration’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“This intervention is timely. Once fully restored, our fire service bases across the state will be better equipped to handle emergencies, especially with the dry season approaching,” he said.
He explained that all fire service assets, both functional and non-functional, would be properly documented and profiled to ensure transparency and accountability in their management.
The adviser directed the Fire Service to submit a comprehensive inventory of its assets within two weeks for inclusion in the state’s asset database.
Agbor also urged the agency to make prudent use of rehabilitated facilities and equipment, adding that periodic inspections would be conducted to monitor progress and provide updates directly to the Governor.
During the tour, the state director of Fire Service, Mr. Emmanuel Ajom, conducted the team around several fire trucks currently undergoing major repairs as part of efforts to restore operational readiness.
The delegation also inspected office buildings being redesigned, reconstructed, and renovated to meet international standards in emergency response.
Ajom commended governor Otu for what he described as an unprecedented investment in the fire service. “For more than 20 years, this department was neglected by past administrations. This is the first time we are witnessing such a deliberate effort to revive it. We are sincerely grateful to the Governor for remembering this vital sector,” he said.
He appealed for the speedy completion of the rehabilitation project to enable the service to respond more effectively to frequent fire incidents in Calabar and nearby communities.
Solomon Azu, The GuardianNG
