The Anambra State Government has consoled Ihiala people over the fire which destroyed their major market, while promising to lead the mobilization of traders in planning, designing and building a modern market in the town.
In a message to the people sent through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, the chairman of the Ihiala Local government transition committee, Engineer Jeff Obi and the traditional ruler of Ihiala, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu, as well as the President General of the Ihiala progress Union, Chief Okey Chukwu, and Governor Willie Obiano regretted that “a good number of both the indigenes of the town and people outside the state, have lost their means of livelihood”.
The governor, in his speech noted that it was not just buildings that were destroyed but also vital goods and raw cash estimated to run into millions that was post in the inferno.
Obiano promised that a panel would be set up to determine the causes of the fire and also make suggestions on how to prevent possible reoccurrences, noting that “this is the fourth time a fire has occurred in and around this major market in recent years”.
While adding that his administration would seek to complete the establishment of a fire service in the town, he observed that the facility would be of little value in the market if it is not provided the amenities like access roads.
He announced that the state government would work with the Ihiala Progress Union, the Igwe in Council, the Ihiala Local Government, prominent people from the town and other stakeholders like the traders union and the Anambra State Ministry of Trade and Commerce to provide a befitting market.