Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has pledged to rally support for traders and remodel the burnt Katako Market to enhance its functionality and create a thriving business environment.
DAILYPOST recalls that the Katako Market in Jos North LGA of the state was devastated by a fire outbreak on Sunday night (the 39th fire incident in its over 40 years of existence).
Mutfwang, who led a delegation of top government officials to the burnt market, was visibly distressed by the incident and expressed gratitude to God that no lives were lost in the inferno.
He sympathized with the injured and those who lost their properties, noting the immense hardship the fire has brought to the affected traders and their families.
The Governor’s visit marked a historic moment as he became the first Executive Governor to personally inspect the market in its 40 years of existence, despite the market suffering several fire incidents during that period.
Saddened by the recurring devastation, the Governor emphasized that the fire occurred at a time when residents are already grappling with significant economic challenges.
He assured traders that the state government, in collaboration with the local government and market leadership, would develop plans to revitalize and remodel the market into a safer, more organized, and habitable trading hub.
Mutfwang also commended security agencies, the fire service, and public-spirited individuals for their efforts in containing the fire. He pledged to address the traders’ requests for improved infrastructure to minimize future incidents.
“Very soon, we will unveil our plans for the Terminus Market and other markets across the state to make them more functional and effective. We aim to provide safe environments for all traders to earn a decent living for themselves, their families, and the state,” the Governor stated.
“Our vision is to expand market facilities to prevent congestion and improve accessibility. When these plans are unveiled, I am confident that the people will find them progressive and beneficial. I pray that God continues to preserve us for better days ahead,” he added.
The Chairman of the Katako Market, Sani Umar, appreciated the Governor for his timely visit and highlighted the market’s longstanding challenges.
He noted that the market has suffered fire incidents 39 times, attributing the recurring outbreaks to the lack of firefighting equipment, inadequate water supply, and poor market layout.
He disclosed that the affected sections of the market, comprising wood, clothing, and carpenter stalls, were completely destroyed, with property worth millions of naira lost in the inferno.
