Industrial
fires and explosions cost companies and governments billions of dollars every
year in some countries, not to mention the loss of life, which can’t be
described and assessed in monetary terms.
And
sometimes, these disasters happen for many reasons, often because managers and
employees turn blind eyes to small issues that in the long run could escalate
to become a potential disaster.
A
devastating blaze on Sunday at the Kanifing Industrial Area, an epic centre and
one of The Gambia’s biggest industrial zones, has shocked many.
Though,
no lives were lost, the raging blaze consumed a colossal amount of damage. The
extent of damage caused is estimated to be in millions.
The
blaze that started at a gas depot- Haddim Gas Company, situated in the Kanifing
Industrial Area, quickly spread out to the nearby companies, warehouses, and
car garages.
Loud
explosions, according to eyes witness, could be heard at a distance with thick
smoke billowing through the sky.
The
actual cause of the blaze remains unknown. However, we wish to salute all those
who participated in putting off the fire. The bravery manifested by all those
who participated in putting off the raging blaze including the personnel of The
Gambia Fire and Rescue Services has been exemplary.
The
visit by President Barrow at the site to assess first-hand the level of damage
in preparation for the next steps of the government is commendable. He also
announced that government will set up a commission of inquiry to look into what
had happened in order to establish facts around the cause of the fire and how
to avoid future recurrence, is important.
This,
we believe would further enable the government to establish the level of damage
caused.
Notwithstanding,
it is high time government looked into the plight of those compounds situated
around Kanifing Industrial Area. Industrial zones and factories are always
synonymous with accidents. Often times, we hear of accidents at industrial
areas or factories in other countries that are fatal.
Preventive
measures should be taken now with regards to the plight of those in residential
areas around Kanifing Industrial Area.
Government
should also assess the safety standards in place at similar facilities across
the country.
We
wish to sympathise with those who lost money and properties during this very
unfortunate and difficult situation.
“Technology
is, of course, a double edged
sword. Fire can cook our food but also burn us.“
Jason
Silva
