By James Innocent
Dar Salam Market in Yei County, Central Equatoria State, was reduced to ashes by a devastating fire that broke out around 7:00 PM, Wednesday Night, according to eyewitness accounts.
The Yei market has been a vital food supply hub for markets in the capital city of Juba, despite the challenging transportation conditions due to poor road infrastructure.
Mary Monday, a Ugandan trader selling a variety of goods at the main market of Dar es Salaam, mentioned that she lost a lot of her commodities during the fire incident.
She doesn’t have anything on hand to start a new life.
“I don’t know how to start and go, am urging the government and chamber of commerce to support us as business people because all the people in Yei survive on our commodities,” she said.
Luate Justin Rapeal, the chairman of the chamber of commerce, called for immediate risk management intervention from both the government and the chamber.
Rapeal also emphasized the need for increased media awareness to ensure the broader community is informed about the catastrophic event that has left many traders in distress.
Araba Na Fox, the payam director of Yei River County, acknowledged the crucial role of the business community and expressed gratitude for their input on addressing the needs of the affected traders.
“Many people have already collapsed due to the fire outbreak, as the people of Yei rely heavily on the businesses they operate,” he said.
Noel Latiyo, an administrator at the Dar es Salaam market, described the chaotic scene as he witnessed traders crying and shouting, with the fire raging uncontrolled despite his efforts to call the police for assistance.
“There are over 500 traders in the Dar Salam market, all of whom are now facing the risk of their businesses being caught in a similar fire,” he stated.
Lokumut John Kumuri, a local businessman in Yei River County, called for a joint meeting between the government, traders, and other stakeholders to devise a permanent solution to address the situation.
The fire has left a significant impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of the Yei community.
Urgent intervention and support from the government and relevant authorities are necessary to assist the affected traders and prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.