Time running out for gas peddlers

By Lewis S. Teh

The Government of Liberia through the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS) says it has immediately launched a mission to remove gas sellers from the streets in Montserrado and its environs for public safety purposes.

“Few days from now, we are going to clear the streets from gas selling; we will start arresting them; gas is a flammable and dangerous liquid.” LNRRS Director General, Col. Alex Dickson said.

He noted peddlers selling gas in jelly cans and jars are taking over every street corner in the city, stressing that this has to stop because gas isn’t a petty business or waiter market business.

The fire chief disclosed that about 25 percent of fire incidents in the capital is caused by gas stove.

 He said public safety remains the foremost concern of the fire service, saying we don’t see people selling gas on sidewalks in other countries, but Liberia is the only country where you find these things happening and we are going to make sure they vacate the streets.”

Col. Dickson said it’s shameful and quite embarrassing for people to sell gas in the principal streets of Monrovia in the midst of foreign dignitaries especially, those who are visiting Liberia for the very first time.

He said the government has resolved to go after individuals selling gasoline across various street corners in the country, which has severe health implications for the human body.

The LNFRS was established to safeguard life and property from scourge of destructive fire, across the length and breadth of Liberia as well as to promote efficient fire prevention services.

Firefighters’ mandates include responding to emergency calls, laying and connecting hoses, holding nozzles, directing water streams, raising and climbing ladders, use extinguishers and other equipment in fighting fire incidents.

Fighters have extensive knowledge of the operation of all apparatus, equipment and methods used in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires and in rescue work.