 |
| Thursday night picture of burning shelter |
Area 18 market vendors have asked people and institutions of good will to assist them to recover from the fire which has completely gutted down their market, in the course damaging their properties.
The fire which started Thursday night burnt to ashes property worth Millions of Kwachas which officials from the market estimate it to about K100 million from over 500 business persons.
 |
| The remains of Area 18 Market |
No single property was rescued from the inferno said some of the victims who are suspecting that the fire was caused by electricity fault.
Speaking in an interview, Chairperson for the market, Bernard Gama said it will be difficult for most of the vendors to recover from the damage since the destroyed property was their sole treasure.
 |
| Property worth millions damaged |
“We will now live like orphans, we have nothing to do.” He said while pleading for help from the well wishers including government and non-governmental organizations.
 |
| The raging inferno spared nothing |
 |
| Lazarus Chakwera being walked round the Market to see for himself |
Leader of Opposition and president of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), hon. Lazarus Chakwera, rushed to the scene to see for himself and said “It is shocking” when describing the nature of damage.
 |
| Gama showing Chakwera some properties Damaged by the fire |
Chakwera said the damage has affected the whole city since this is likely to cause serious economic challenges to many families that were depending on Area 18 market by doing various businesses as well as those that were buying from the market.
However, the MCP leader said it was sad to note that the market fires are very frequent across the country where property worth millions of Kwacha’s are being lost.
“Market fires are occurring frequently in our country and it is shocking.” He said
He then suggested that all relevant authorities including Councils, Parliament and vendors Associations to take these matters seriously by finding solutions that helps to end the occurrence of fires in all markets.
“We need to find concrete solutions.” Urged Chakwera
 |
| Chakwera said the scene was shocking |
He underlined the need for proper solutions that “truly gives hope” to those doing businesses especially on making sure that small vendors are able Insure their business.
“We need to find solutions which prepare for these uncertainties” said Chakwera, who emphasized that such business insurance schemes may help to lessen the effects of fire damages.
He also promised that his party will come back to support the victims.
 |
| Chkwera says venders must Insure their Businesses |
 |
| People were shocked at seeing the fire Gutting the market to ashes |
 |
| Pictures taken the night when Area 18 market caught fire |
