MARGAO
Saying that government buildings across the commercial capital are facing a fire threat, the Shadow Council for Margao on Saturday has underscored the urgent need of fire audit of all government/public offices in the city.
SCM Convenor Savio Coutinho told the media that every government building, including the Margao Municipal Council, is vulnerable to a serious fire threat, which may result in severe loss of property and important documents housed in the various offices. “In the absence of any fire fighting equipment and basic fire fighting training, these offices along with important records may be reduced to ashes in the event of fire,” he said.
Coutinho pointed out that the Margao Municipal Council which makes it mandatory for all commercial establishments to obtain NOC from the fire department should realise that its own premises are also unsafe as far as fire fighting capabilities are concerned. “And considering the papers and files lying all over haphazardly, a fire incident could be devastating for the council building. Incidentally, the building has all material which is highly flammable, including the wooden flooring,” he added.
Former MMC Chairperson disclosed plans to write to the District Collector demanding for a mandatory fire audit of all government/public offices in the city.
“A fire audit shall not only spell out fire safety provisions and equipment, but also provide periodic inspection and training to the staff on the immediate measures needed to control fire from spreading. We have seen and heard of fire incidents in several government/public offices wherein important documents and files were destroyed in fire. As such it would be prudent to take necessary measures to be well equipped to tackle such incidents of fire,” he added.
