How many more markets must burn?

The two devastating fire incidents at the famous Singer Market in Kano bring to the fore our inability, at government and individual levels, to take lessons from disasters in the country.

In a space of two weeks, hundreds of traders were left helpless as no fewer than 1,000 shops were destroyed. The first happened on February 2, while the second occurred on February 16. According to reports, N5 billion worth of goods were destroyed. More worrying, it was reported that seven persons were missing.

Again, on February 20, a dawn fire outbreak destroyed at least 50 shops at the Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market in Dakata, Kano.

Singer Market is no stranger to fire outbreaks. In the last 10 years, it has witnessed five fire incidents, each destroying goods worth hundreds of millions of naira, yet each occurred under similar circumstances.

The story is similar across the country. Between June and August last year, no fewer than 13 fire incidents in various markets were reported. The incidents led to the loss of goods and property worth millions of naira. Just on Monday, a fire outbreak razed the main market in Fika, Yobe State, destroying goods and causing extensive damage to shops and stalls.

What is common with the majority of these incidents are their causes. Over the years, many of these markets have outgrown their initial capacities at the time they were built. In the quest to secure a place, traders build attachments with all sorts of materials. The result is that many of these markets are congested and have little room to manoeuvre in times of emergencies.

Many traders have also resorted to the use of alternative power supply, such as generators or solar devices. Often, these are installed by unprofessional personnel, exposing the market to danger.

Some of the markets have been taken over by developments such that their surrounding areas are often congested due to traffic build-up and traders displaying their wares.

Again, many of our markets do not have basic safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, emergency exits, or fire-fighting trucks. Worse still, traders are ignorant of basic emergency procedures.

It is unfortunate that fires have continued to occur with no noticeable action to stop them. There seems to be no end in sight. These fire outbreaks across markets in the country are preventable if the government and traders would work together to implement preventive and acceptable measures.

Urgently, state governments must begin to assess all markets in their domain to determine their capacity and how safe their locations are. Markets that are found to be operating above their designed capacity or located in a high-volume environment should be relocated to a better environment.

Similarly, all safety measures must be enforced in our markets. Authorities must not allow the erection of makeshift stores that block access within the market. Such structures should be pulled down where they are found.

In addition, the traders who conduct their businesses in the market should be sensitised on the need to be fire-conscious, including observance of no-smoking protocol. Cooking by restaurants and bukkas should be closely monitored.

Also, the Fire Service Department must be part of the planning and building of any market. No market should be approved or opened without a functional fire station.

Markets should be lighted up with solar-powered lights to ensure proper visibility. All market shop owners should be schooled on the need to switch off power and electrical appliances at the end of every market session or day. Where traders need to install alternative power supply, such should be done with the approval and supervision of the market authority.

Also, it is advised that all victims of fire incidents confirmed to have been caused by power surges or fluctuations should sue the power Distribution Companies (DISCOs). There must be consequences for dereliction of duties.

Governments must urgently consider the building of new markets with a view to decongesting the existing ones. Unless people have alternatives, there will always be the tendency to crowd the existing ones.

Indeed, it is time we put an end to the incessant fire incidents at our markets, which leave millions in anguish and governments much poorer.

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