The Sokoto State Government said it has earmarked N500 million for the purchase of six new ultra-modern fire fighting machines to tackle the issue of fire outbreaks in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Isa Achida, made the disclosure at a news conference in Sokoto on Sunday.

Achida, who was commenting on plans by the state government to stem the tide of frequent fire disasters resulting in loss of lives and property across the state, said part of the money, which was in the 2016 budget, would be used to repair six existing fire fighting machines.

According to him, the state’s Fire Service Department currently has only six fire fighting vehicles, out of which only three are fully operational.

“The remaining three are only providing skeletal services, and this informed the plan to buy new ones, as well as repair the bad ones.

“Both the new fire fighting vehicles to be bought and the existing ones to be rehabilitated will be fully equipped with modern gadgets.

“We are also planning to partner with the Ministry for Local Governments to make effective use of the existing fire fighting vehicles in the 23 local government areas of the state.”

The commissioner further said that the state government planned to establish eight new fire stations in Sokoto city to augment the eight existing ones.

He added that three additional hydrants for water collection would be established by the state government this year.

“The hydrants will be provided with adequate boreholes, reservoirs and other required accessories to ensure availability of water during fire incidents.

“The state government also plans to establish a training centre for its firemen to enhance their productivity.” (NAN)