Musanze Market fire destroys goods worth an estimated Rwf30 Billion

Goods worth an estimated Rwf30 billion were destroyed when a fire swept through GOICO Plaza, Musanze’s main market, on Saturday, October 10, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde has said.

The preliminary estimate comes as authorities assess the damage caused by the blaze, which engulfed much of the five-storey commercial building and disrupted businesses operated by thousands of traders.

The building itself is estimated to have been worth Rwf17 billion, according to the governor.

Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Mugabowagahunde said investigations were continuing to establish the precise value of the losses and determine what caused the fire.

Despite the extensive destruction, officials confirmed that no one died in the incident.

Seventeen people sought medical attention, including two who sustained minor injuries and 15 who experienced psychological shock.

Two people remained in hospital, according to the Ministry of Local Government.

The fire broke out at around 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, with reports indicating that it started in the upper part of the building before spreading across several floors.

Firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze into Sunday morning.

GOICO Plaza is one of Musanze’s major commercial centres, accommodating more than 2,000 traders and attracting approximately 12,000 visitors daily, according to Tugengwanayo Théonas, the Northern Province Private Sector Federation chairperson.

The destruction has therefore raised concerns about the livelihoods of traders whose businesses depend on the market.

Individual losses have also begun to emerge. Taarifa reported that a family whose daughter sold shoes at the market estimated her lost stock at Rwf18 million.

The full extent of the financial damage, however, remains subject to official assessment.

The government has pledged to support the rehabilitation of the market to help businesses resume operations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Local Government expressed solidarity with affected traders and commended the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, local authorities and residents for helping prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings.

The cause of the fire has not been officially established. Taarifa reported that witnesses suspected welding work being carried out on the building’s roof may have contributed to the outbreak.

Authorities have not confirmed that account.

The investigation involves the relevant government institutions, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Rwanda Housing Authority and the Rwanda Institute of Engineers, according to the governor’s account.

As assessments continue, attention is turning to the recovery of affected businesses and the rehabilitation of a major trading hub in Rwanda’s Northern Province.

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