The Senate yesterday asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage by a devastating fire at the Head Bridge Building Materials Market in Onitsha and provide relief materials for the affected traders.

It also asked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to design and implement a special intervention fund to help victims rebuild their businesses and restore the market.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Tony Nwoye (ADC Anambra North). The Deputy Minority Whip recalled the tragic incident which occurred in March when a section of the market dealing in plastics, tiles, and highpressure pipes went up in flames.