Estate agents call for review of fire policies

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:14:23 +0000

By AARON CHIYANZO

THERE is need for robust fire detection and prevention mechanism to be incorporated in the market infrastructure and in building designs, says Zambia Institute of Estate Agents, Logan Nyasulu.

Mr Nyasulu said that ZIEA had learnt with sadness and regret the gutting of the Lusaka City Market in an inferno recently that destroyed property worth millions of Kwacha and halted the businesses of hundreds of marketeers.

He said in an interview with the Daily Nation that most of the livelihoods of the markeeters whose properties were destroyed depended on the market.

Mr Nyasulu expressed concern on the wanton destruction of public property and the unwarranted acts of sabotage that had rocked the country.

He however indicated that ZIEA was nonetheless gratified by the government’s quick action to rebuild the market and to give affected traders an opportunity to quickly return to their businesses.

“We are also extremely encouraged by the various organizations and individuals who have demonstrated patriotism and the spirit of ‘One Zambia One Nation’ by donating funds towards the rebuilding of these facilities,” said Mr Nyasulu.

Mr Nyasulu emphasized the need for a more robust fire detection and prevention mechanism to be incorporated in the market infrastructure and to include these in the rebuilding designs.

He reiterated that the fires had exposed the lack of a proper fire management system in most of the markets across the country.

“It is imperative that due regard is given to the safety and protection of these people and their property. We therefore recommend that as various efforts to repair or rebuild these facilities are undertaken, greater emphasis is included on fire safety and protection,” said Mr Nyasulu.