A devastating fire broke out at GOICO Plaza in Musanze District, Rwanda, on Saturday, October 10, causing significant losses to traders. The blaze, which started at around 3 p.m., spread rapidly from the upper floors of the five-storey building, where tailors and second-hand clothing traders operated. The fire destroyed property worth Rwf18 million belonging to a shoe trader, according to Dukundimana Johnson, whose sister owned the affected business.
Witnesses reported that property management had been carrying out roofing work to fix leaks ahead of the rainy season, and suspected welding sparks may have ignited nearby clothing, potentially causing the fire. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause or linked the renovation work to the blaze. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in place at the commercial building, which hosts over 2,000 traders and attracts approximately 12,000 visitors daily.
The Northern Province Private Sector Federation chairperson stated that the losses were still being assessed, and the total value of goods and other property destroyed had not been announced. The chairperson emphasized the significance of the market, which provides a livelihood for thousands of people. The fire has caused significant disruption to trading activities, with many businesses affected.
About 12 people who reportedly suffered shock were taken to Ruhengeri Hospital for medical attention. Fortunately, officials reported no deaths. The swift response of emergency services and hospital staff helped mitigate the impact of the incident on human life. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still being investigated.
The Rwandan government has pledged support to rebuild GOICO Market after the devastating fire. The Musanze Mayor has urged traders to resume work as soon as possible, emphasizing the importance of the market to the local economy. The government and local authorities are working together to provide assistance to affected traders and restore normal trading activities.
The fire at GOICO Plaza has highlighted the need for robust safety measures in commercial buildings. The incident has also underscored the importance of supporting small businesses and traders who are critical to the local economy. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, stakeholders are working together to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
The rebuilding of GOICO Market is expected to be a collaborative effort between the government, local authorities, and the private sector. The Musanze Mayor's call for traders to resume work is a positive step towards restoring economic activity in the area. With over 2,000 traders and 12,000 daily visitors, the market plays a vital role in the local economy, and its recovery is crucial for the community.
Key points
- The fire caused Rwf18 million in losses to a shoe trader.
- Over 2,000 traders operate at GOICO Market, which attracts 12,000 visitors daily.
- The Rwandan government has pledged support to rebuild GOICO Market after the fire.
