Fire Claims Goods Worth Seven Million Dalasi At Serre Kunda Market

Close to seven million dalasi worth of goods, were ravaged by an early morning fire Saturday, which  claimed part of the  Serre Kunda market, local municipal authorities told the Freedom Newspaper. The blaze, which lasted for hours, was described as one of the worst fire incidents that ever gripped the commercial town center. The circumstances surrounding the blaze, could not be established, as local fire fighters are working in tandem with the police with the view of determining the cause of the fire. The fire incident would no doubt impact negatively on the already ailing economy, as cost of living is getting higher by the day. A spokesman of the police say he suspects that the blaze was an act of sabotage, but had asked our reporter to give him time to gather more details on the incident.

The Serre Kunda market is the nation’s main source of economic activities. Traders from all walks of life converged at the market on a daily basis to sell their products. Some of  stalls were burnt beyond recognition by the blaze. It would take years, before the affected traders would get back on their feet to recover from such a major economic loss.

The Kanifing Municipal Council, which is responsible for ensuring market safety and security has been accused of  failing to put in place the necessary mechanisms  to avert incidents of such nature. This is not the first time that the Serre Kunda market had been exposed to fire related disasters. Many believe that the incident was carried out by disgruntled elements, who are fed up with the Jammeh establishment. The Government has been accused of being insensitive to the plight of the suffering masses.

Even though, there is economic hardship in the country, the Government is busy trying to depict a positive image, by claiming that the global world recession does not affect The Gambia as a nation. Many Gambians took such propaganda coming from the Government with a pinch of salt. They say the country is witnessing its worst economic nightmares, ever in our nation’s history.

Speaking to the Freedom Newspaper, a spokesman of the KMC said over D7million dalasi worth of goods were destroyed by the fire. The official said despite efforts made by the Fire men to put off the fire, the fire kept escalating. The official said the incident was a pre-mediated one. The official appeals on citizens to do away from rebellious activities, warning that such acts can retards national development.