Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) will continue supporting traders affected by the fire that devastated GOICO Plaza in Musanze, Commissioner General Pascal Niwenshuti said during a tax advisory council meeting in Northern Province on Monday.
Niwenshuti expressed sympathy to the traders and commended them for not giving up after losing property and stock.
He said RRA would remain close to them and continue working with stakeholders to address challenges facing businesses.
The fire broke out on October 10 at the five-storey commercial building, which was used by about 2,000 traders.
It caused no fatalities, although two people sustained minor injuries and 15 others received medical care for psychological distress.Â
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice said the value of destroyed goods was preliminarily estimated at Rwf30 billion, while the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
Authorities have also identified more than 635 alternative commercial spaces in Musanze for traders seeking to resume business.Â
Niwenshuti praised the province for increasing collections from national taxes and revenues assigned to local authorities.
He said RRA would continue seeking solutions to concerns raised by taxpayers.
Mugabowagahunde thanked RRA for supporting affected traders and urged businesses to meet their tax obligations voluntarily, use electronic billing machines properly and insure their goods.
Traders’ representatives thanked RRA and the Government of Rwanda for their efforts to support businesses, particularly those whose property was destroyed at GOICO Plaza.
