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Enugu state recorded 187 fire incidents this year from January till date. This is even as 142 accidents involving 220 vehicles occurred in the same period under review.
The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Emergency Agency {SEMA}, Mrs Nkechi Eneh revealed the startling figures at a two-day stakeholders forum on effective disaster management with the theme “ Emergency Preparedness and Response: Key to Effective Disaster Risk Management” held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
Mrs Eneh noted that the forum was pertinent in the light of the increasing hazards and vulnerabilities brought about by the growing challenges of urbanisation, climate change, contracting economic resources and the emerging trends in disaster management.
According to her, the “meeting aims to highlight the impact of preparedness and response on the hazards and vulnerabilities that development foists on us in Enugu bringing to the fore the power of collaboration”.
She added that the “the current Ugwuanyi administration in the Enugu State has become synonymous with giant strides. Ironically, development everywhere brings along with it inherent hazards. Increasing development amounts to increasing hazards”.
While identifying preparedness as a component of disaster management, the SEMA Executive Secretary explained this remains a challenge within the industry as emergency managers’ resort to a reactive approach to disasters on account of poor preparation.
She said the State Emergency Management agency chaired by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has experienced improved investment including approval for the purchase of Incidence response Vehicle and approval for setting up of a Fund for emergencies in the state as stipulated in the Enugu State Emergency Management law, 2008.
She enjoined stakeholders in disaster management to renew the collective resolve towards proper coordinated strategy and sustenance of public confidence in disaster management.
The Representatives of UNICEF, World Health Organisation and NEMA, Maureen Zubby-Okolo, Onyiye Emefile and Ejike Udeinya in their goodwill messages, commended the state government for organising the forum which they said would help to chart a way forward for effective partnerships and collaboration in the management of disaster.
The forum attracted stakeholders in disaster management sectors such as police, federal road safety commission, civil defence, fire service as well as chairman house of assembly committee on environment Obinna Okenwa, members of the state executive council the among others.
