Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has directed relevant government agencies to strengthen collaboration with traders and residents of the state to enforce safety regulations.

The governor’s directive followed the recent fire outbreak in Onitsha that destroyed goods and properties worth billions of naira.

Expressing his condolences to the affected traders and property owners, Governor Soludo assured that the government had ordered an investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the fire to prevent future occurrences.

The governor noted that the fire consumed two four-storey buildings and partially damaged a third.

Even though no lives were lost, Soludo emphasised the need for increased public caution, particularly regarding the unauthorised use of residential areas as warehouses. He highlighted that obstructed access roads had significantly hampered firefighting efforts.

“Developers and landlords are strongly advised to adhere strictly to building standards, obtain necessary permits from relevant government agencies, and ensure that access roads remain unobstructed for emergency response vehicles,” Soludo stated.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing urban planning and fire safety measures to protect lives and property across the state.