President Paul Kagame has sent a message of encouragement to residents of Musanze District following a fire that damaged GOICO Plaza, one of northern Rwanda’s largest commercial centres, on Saturday, October 10.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said the President urged residents not to lose heart, reminding them that the market had been built through cooperation and that collective efforts could help them overcome the setback.
“We have received a message of comfort and encouragement from His Excellency the President of the Republic. We thank him for consoling residents of the Northern Province,” Mugabowagahunde told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on Monday, October 12.
He said the message emphasised the importance of maintaining the spirit of cooperation that had helped establish GOICO Plaza.
“The main message he sent us was not to lose heart and to remember that GOICO was achieved through cooperation and collaboration, and that even more can be achieved,” the governor said.
The fire broke out on Saturday evening and spread through much of the five-storey commercial building, destroying large quantities of merchandise. The blaze was brought under control on Sunday morning after firefighters from the Rwanda National Police, members of the Rwanda Defence Force and residents joined efforts to extinguish it.
More than 2,000 traders operated from the market, which served as a major trading centre in Musanze.
Preliminary assessments put the value of goods affected by the fire at about Rwf30 billion, while the building itself is estimated to be worth Rwf17 billion, according to the governor. The final extent of the losses is still being assessed.
Authorities reported no deaths. Two people sustained minor injuries, while 15 others experienced psychological distress. Most of those who sought medical attention for distress had been discharged by Sunday, according to the district authorities.
The Ministry of Local Government said the government would support the rehabilitation of the damaged building to help businesses resume operations.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and determine the needs of affected traders.
