By S, KNA
Former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti has faulted the County Government over poor disaster response preparedness following a massive fire at Shauri Market on Monday night that left hundreds of traders counting losses after their businesses were reduced to ashes.
Speaking when he visited the fire victims today morning, Kivuti said the damage could have been minimal if the fire brigade from the County Government had been better prepared and equipped.
This was after victims reported that the fire brigade team arrived at the scene without adequate water and personnel to contain the raging inferno that swept through the market leaving the traders counting massive losses.
Over 300 traders at the market lost their livelihoods as the fire consumed furniture workshops, showrooms, raw materials and machinery estimated at close to Sh500 million.
“I am not happy at all because of the laxity of the County Government. We cannot have fire in town and we stand and just watch as it consumes property,” he said.
He also called for a comprehensive policy to be made by the devolved unit to provide financial compensation and structural support for such disaster victims. “There must be a policy made in the County to assist disaster victims recover and get back on their feet through disaster management,” he said.
On his part, County Emergency Response Director, Joseph Nkoka defended their response, citing deliberate interference and sabotage from an unruly mob at the scene.
Speaking via a phone call, Njoka said that a rowdy crowd chased away one of the fire engines and went ahead to cut its water wipes while the second one turned away midway following the hostile environment.
“Our team’s effort was severely hampered by the rowdy crowd and there was nothing much we could do under such situation to contain the fire,” he said.