Amiola said the ban was in line with the implementation of emergency jurisdiction of the department’s mandates. He described the development as very alarming, adding that it not only violated regulations but posed significant risks to personal safety and property. Amiola, who expressed concern over the 226 fire incidents recorded in the FCT from January to June, added that sleeping in markets among other careless human practices contributed to high incidents of fire outbreaks.
According to him, building of shanties within the market increases the risk of burning and uncontrollable blazes. He also said that building shanties within the market areas had become rampant, adding that the structures not only contributed to the disorder but also served as fuel for fires and that the department would equally demolish illegal shanties and conduct regular inspections to prevent their re-establishment.