The Government of Rwanda has pledged to help repair GOICO Market in Musanze and enable traders to resume business after a fire damaged the five-storey complex on Saturday, October 10.
In a statement issued Sunday, October 11, the Ministry of Local Government said two people sustained minor injuries and 15 others experienced trauma.
Most have been discharged from health facilities, while two remain under medical follow-up.
“On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, we extend our condolences and stand in solidarity with the traders, workers at Musanze Market (GOICO) and all families affected by the fire,” the ministry said.
The ministry thanked the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, local leaders and residents who helped with the rescue and firefighting efforts.
Their response, it said, helped prevent loss of life and stopped the fire from spreading to neighbouring commercial buildings.
“The Government of Rwanda is ready to work together to repair this market so that commercial activities can resume,” the statement said. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The market is a major commercial hub for the district. The Northern Province Private Sector Federation chairperson said more than 2,000 traders operated there and about 12,000 people visited daily.
The full value of the losses has not yet been established.
