Government pledges support for Traders hit by Musanze Market fire

The Rwandan government has pledged to support the restoration of Musanze’s GOICO Market after a major fire destroyed property and disrupted businesses, leaving traders facing potentially significant financial losses.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, the Ministry of Local Government expressed sympathy with traders, business owners, market workers and families affected by the fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon, October 10.

The ministry said two people sustained minor injuries, while another 15 suffered shock and were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Most had been discharged, although two people remained under medical observation at the time of the statement.

The government commended the Rwanda National Police’s fire and rescue department, local authorities and residents for their efforts to contain the blaze, rescue people and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring commercial buildings.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while the government has pledged cooperation in restoring the market to allow businesses to resume operations.

The fire broke out at GOICO Plaza, a five-storey commercial building in Musanze town, Northern Province, at around 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Initial reports indicated that the blaze started on the fifth floor, where tailors and second-hand clothing traders operated, before spreading to other sections of the building.

The incident caused widespread concern among traders as flames engulfed parts of the building and threatened merchandise and other property.

Emergency responders worked to contain the fire as people evacuated the premises.

The full extent of the damage and the total value of property destroyed had not been established by Sunday.

The Northern Province Private Sector Federation chairperson, Tugengwanayo Théonas, said that more than 2,000 traders operated at the market, which attracted approximately 12,000 visitors daily.

He said the disaster had also affected investors who had put money into the commercial complex.

Individual traders have already reported substantial losses.

Sources reported that one shoe trader’s family lost merchandise valued at RWF18 million in the fire. 

However, authorities have not released an overall assessment of the losses.

Although some accounts have raised questions about possible causes, including electrical faults and welding work, officials have not confirmed what triggered the blaze.

Investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Musanze District Mayor Nsengimana Claudien visited the affected market on Sunday to comfort traders and encourage them to remain resilient as authorities assess the damage and consider the next steps.

The government’s pledge to support restoration offers hope to traders whose livelihoods depend on the market.

However, the speed of recovery will depend on the damage assessment, rebuilding arrangements and measures needed to ensure that commercial activities can resume safely.

The fire has highlighted the vulnerability of businesses operating in densely occupied commercial buildings and the economic consequences that a single disaster can have on traders, workers and the wider community.