Governor Okorocha fails Imo Fire Service, 7 sub stations has only one tanker

www.odogwublog.com reports that With 7 Sub stations within the 27 council areas that constituted Imo State and with a population of over 5 million residents, the Heartland State has only one fire serviceable water tanker according to Mr. Japhet Okoroafor, the only director in charge of the agency.

Okoroafor disclosed this on Monday in his newly acquired office complex along Okigwe Road, Owerri while speaking with journalists concerning state of things in the agency that is fast becoming moribund

He pointed out that despite the importance of their services in the global economy that their entire work strength in the state is 54 and for the past two months the station has not experienced any power supply but depends on diesel to pump water for their operations.

The Director also said that within the last 2 months that his men despite lack of adequate equipment and motivation have successfully fought over 50 fire incidents just within the state capital territory.

Okoroafor further observed that fire is a good friend but worst enemy to mankind noting that whenever there is fire incident the people will be running away abandoning their properties while the fire service men will be moving in to quench the fire.

He stated that fire fighting services should not be considered as only the state government affair but rather a social responsibility collective effort while enjoining wealthy but philanthropic individuals as well as corporate organizations to assist in alleviating the agency’s sufferings.

He revealed that the station has a 21^st Century Auto Modern Water Tanker given to them by NDDC years back but needs about N2m to put it into active usage again having been out of use for over a year now.

The Director while commending Hon. Chidi Nwaturuocha, the State Commissioner for Public Safety and Governor Rochas Okorocha for their labour of love in ensuring that the agency operates optimally despite lack of equipment and incentives.

He also lamented that the state’s monthly imprest to the agency  is too small to withstand the demanding challenges and enjoined the state government for an improved funding so as to enable the agency render an efficient and accelerated services.