Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kate Bih
Published on 2024-02-23 20:26:43
Many victims of the devastating fire at the Bamenda main market are looking for some form of state assistance to aid them in recovering from the tragedy. The somber atmosphere surrounding the market today paints a grim picture of the aftermath of the fierce flames that consumed the market last night. Amidst the charred debris, locals sift through the rubble in hopes of salvaging any remnants of their once-prosperous shops.
Approximately 300 shops now lay in ruins, a heartbreaking reminder of the destructive force of the fire, with official reports indicating that 30 individuals sustained various injuries during the chaotic incident.
North West Governor Adolf Lele Lafrique expressed his sorrow over the loss, stating, “Unfortunately, over 300 shops have been destroyed,” after visiting the site to assess the situation.
The governor reassured the public that the 30 injured individuals who were rushed to hospitals have been stabilized, emphasizing that there have been no reported fatalities directly linked to the fire. Tragically, the only death occurred at the hands of an enraged crowd who resorted to vigilante justice on a suspected thief.
Local and regional authorities visited the market this morning, demonstrating solidarity in the face of the tragedy. They have been holding meetings to plan the reconstruction efforts, aiming to rebuild the market while addressing past mistakes and implementing measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
President of the associations of business persons in Bamenda, Chia Godwil Kwanga, suggested that firefighters be included in the reconstruction committee to provide expert advice on improving safety measures. Additionally, he recommended modernizing the 1957 structure, incorporating preventative measures such as shop decking to mitigate future calamities.
The fire incident has been mourned as a significant loss that many believe could have been avoided. One trader who lost two shops to the fire lamented, “If the market was less congested with shops, firefighters would have been able to access the market and contain the fire, limiting the extent of the damage.”
There is now a pressing need for the modernization of all markets in Bamenda City, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive disaster prevention measures, given the city’s history of devastating fires. The economic hardships faced by the population in such times are immense.
As the Bamenda main market community grapples with their loss, there is a collective hope that the State will provide support to the affected traders in their efforts to rebuild.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
