Rivers Council Chair Pledges To Support Victims of Port Harcourt Market Fire

The Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, has pledged to support traders whose businesses were destroyed when fire gutted part of the popular Creek Road Market section relocated to Number Three Field in Old Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.

The Wednesday night fire destroyed goods and property reportedly worth millions of naira, leaving several traders devastated and struggling to assess the full extent of their losses.

Ihunda visited the scene following the incident and assured the affected traders that the local government would take steps to assess the damage and determine how best to assist those whose businesses were affected.

He said the council would constitute a committee to conduct a detailed assessment of the affected shops and identify the traders who suffered losses. “We are here on behalf of the Port Harcourt City.

“This morning, my attention was drawn to the fire incident that occurred here last night. We sympathise with you; it is a most unfortunate situation,” Ihunda said.

The chairman noted that although the destruction of property was painful, the absence of fatalities was a major relief.

“Nobody prays for this kind of incident, but we thank God that no lives were lost, and that is the most important thing. Properties can be replaced over time,” he said.

Ihunda said the assessment would provide the basis for the council’s intervention, adding that the government would consider what could be done to help the affected traders return to business.

“Then, we would see what we can do as soon as possible to support traders affected so they can go back to business,” he said.

The affected traders were seen assessing the remains of their shops and damaged goods as they counted their losses following the fire.

The cause of the outbreak was yet to be officially established as of the time of filing the report. No deaths were reported in the incident.