Tanker Crashes: IPMAN Urges FG, State Government To Repair SE Roads
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on the Federal and State governments to repair failed portions of major roads in the South East.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community made the call in Awka while reacting to the petrol tanker fire in the commercial town of Onitsha, Anambra on Jan. 28.
Anyaso described the loss of money by the marketer and other victims who lost property to the inferno as collosal.
He said IPMAN members in the zone had suffered huge losses to tanker crashes and fire outbreaks as a result of bad road and called on relevant government to help fix them before the rains set in again.
“IPMAN regret the fire in Onitsha and the attendant loss to the marketer and tanker owner, as well as owners of shops, cars and houses that were burnt.
“This is one loss too many, the condition of Obodoukwu junction portion of Onitsha-Owerri expressway and some other roads in Southeast have been a cause for concern for IPMAN because of incessant fall of tankers carrying product.
“Petroleum marketers want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government and the relevant state governments to address this issue of tanker fire accidents by fixing these roads and making them save for movement of products,” he said.
Anyaso also regretted that the Trailer Park project which IPMAN and PTD-NUPENG were working on in partnership with the Anambra government was yet to take off.
He said the Park would address the challenge of fatigue of drivers as a result of long distance driving and use of petrol stations for relaxation.
According to him, I know the Anambra State government is working on the Trailer Park project, we are still waiting for them to provide a site so that we can develop it.
“It is our wish that the Gov. Willie Obiano administration would complete it and make it part of his legacy to the state and the Industry, especially now that Anambra is an oil producing state.
“This is because of the convenience it will bring to downstream operations in Anambra, it will also enhance safety and generate revenue for the parties,” he said.
Anyaso urged marketers to improve their safety precautions by adhering strictly to regulators’ standards for the industry players to avoid fire outbreaks at outlets.
