Preliminary findings indicate that goods worth approximately Rwf30 billion were inside a market hit by a major fire, according to Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde.
The fire broke out at GOICO Plaza, the main market in Musanze District, on Saturday afternoon, October 10, severely damaging the building’s four upper floors. The ground floor was spared.
Mugabowagahunde said the estimated value of the goods was based on initial findings, while investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the losses.
“Preliminary data collected indicate that there were goods worth Rwf30 billion in the market,” he said, adding that the final value would be determined once the assessment was completed.
The governor also said the commercial building itself was valued at approximately Rwf17 billion.
GOICO Plaza, one of the largest commercial buildings in Northern Province, accommodated around 2,000 traders operating various businesses, including clothing shops, electronics stores and other retail outlets.
Several traders reported losing merchandise in the fire, with some expressing concern about their ability to resume business.
Among those affected was Alex Murengera, who operated an electronics shop selling televisions, radios and other appliances.
Murengera valued his shop at approximately Rwf120 million, saying he was unable to recover any of his goods during the fire. He expressed concern about the difficulty of rebuilding his business after the loss.
Despite the extensive damage, authorities confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
Mugabowagahunde expressed relief that the fire had not claimed any lives and that the building’s ground floor had been spared.
According to the governor, 17 people received medical attention following the fire. Two sustained minor injuries, while 15 experienced psychological distress.
Most of those affected had been discharged from hospital by Sunday, although two remained under medical observation.
Meanwhile, authorities, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), have begun gathering evidence to establish the cause of the fire.
The government has also expressed solidarity with traders, business owners and families affected by the incident.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, through the Ministry of Local Government, the government thanked emergency responders, local authorities and residents who helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
It also pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to repair the damaged market and support the resumption of commercial activities.
RADIOTV10