He expressed regrets that, for over 12 years, the State-owned Fire Service Stations were left in limbo.
Governor Fubara explained that with the ongoing work, the Stations will be put into effective state to provide rapid and quick response to fire incidents in the State.
“For a very long time, we have had this situation that we have to depend on the multi-nationals; Shell, Agip and Chevron and even (Elf) TotalEnergies at that time, including to respond to fire incidents in the State.
“From what we have seen today, we can confirm that the contractor is working very hard to meet the deadline. We must, I repeat, we must commission this project first week in March”,he stated.
Governor Fubara pointed out that it is the responsibility of government to have such facilities that provide vital social services available to the people to address fire incidence when they occur.
He assured that his administration is reversing the utter neglect such social services had suffered, and ensure that Rivers people will, in no distant future, begin to benefit from the Stations.
Governor Fubara said: “As a matter of fact, I can boldly say that Rivers State has not had a functional Fire Service for the past 12 years. We are a government, and amongst our responsibilities, is to protect lives and property. Issues of fire incidents could be as a result of some mistakes in our homes.
“So, it is our duty to make sure that we are prepared to combat it whenever it occurs. We are trying to make sure that we do not depend again on the multi-nationals, but be ready and prepared to save lives and property of Rivers people,” he added.
The Governor visited the Stations located beside the Isaac Boro Park/Mile One flyover, Borokiri in the old Port Harcourt Township and Rumuodomaya Community, all in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
He was accompanied by Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, former Commissioner for Water Resources; and was conducted round the facilities by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya.
