Siting of petrol stations in residential areas is dangerous

The government both at the federal and state levels, should be wary of the dangers inherent in the establishment of petrol stations at dangerous and unapproved areas all over the country.

Obviously, most of the petrol stations sited in domestic areas could never have been approved by any sane officer of the approving authority.

These petrol stations are built within the compounds in the locality where they are situated and most of them are not fenced. Without any doubt, corrupt officers of the approving authority are feeding fat on this illegality.  If corruption is to be curbed, it should be at all levels and the officers responsible for this anomaly should be seriously dealt with because they are our enemies.

The recent fire incident in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, should be an eye-opener for governments at all levels: federal, state and local. Fortunately, the incident happened at a state capital where the fire services sector was functional. The loss was immense, but it could have been worse.

It is very appalling that approval could be given for the establishment of petrol stations in dwelling places where naked fire is being exposed. With the present situation in the country, people are ready to sell their one-room apartment inherited from their late parents to the heartless petrol dealers at a huge sum of money once the apartment is by the road side or readily accessible.

I am appealing to the authorities concerned with the safety of the populace to go for general inspection throughout the country before we are all consumed by the unquenchable inferno which this petrol station proliferation could cause.

Hon. Layi Ogunniran

Ogbomoso, Oyo State.