'Eliminate any encroachment'
Erbil officials hold meeting to address market safety concerns
ERBIL — A meeting held Monday at the Erbil Governorate office resulted in a decision to eliminate encroachments in local markets and implement a fire suppression system to prevent fires and other unwanted incidents.
The meeting, led by Governor Omed Khoshnaw, emphasized the need to address all forms of encroachment on streets, electricity networks, and water systems in Erbil’s local markets. These encroachments pose risks to residents and business owners, especially with the approach of the summer season.
“The governor stressed the need for legal measures against any form of encroachment, ensuring no leniency towards any individuals or groups,” according to a statement from the governorate’s office.
Governor Khoshnaw also highlighted the importance of following urban safety guidelines, particularly the installation of fire suppression systems in all local markets in Erbil.
The meeting addressed the risks associated with gas systems and the presence of gas tanks in markets. The civil defense department was urged to continuously monitor these issues and ensure the safety of gas tanks.
The importance of maintaining market security and the use of surveillance camera systems was also emphasized. Governor Khoshnaw instructed relevant authorities to continue installing cameras in markets.
Citizens were urged to refrain from violations as they pose risks to their lives and property.
Erbil has experienced at least nine significant market fires this year, all causing substantial financial losses for vendors. The most severe recent fire occurred on May 5 at the Qaysari Market, destroying 227 shops and seven warehouses and injuring 132 people.
A major fire on February 27 at the Langa Market destroyed 185 shops, with losses estimated at 6.75 billion Iraqi dinars ($5.15 million).
Additional fires followed in March. On March 9, a blaze in the Northern Industrial Area destroyed a warehouse storing electrical goods. On March 13 and 27, fires damaged shops and warehouses in the Farmanbaran Bazaar and near Qushtapa, with losses nearing $1 million.
Another fire at the Langa Market on April 8 affected 48 shops.