By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria State (CES) Government has formed a seven-member committee to investigate the Konyokonyo fire incident that left one person dead and about 56 shops razed into ashes.
Konyo-Konyo market, the busiest and oldest market in Juba, caught fire on Thursday, resulting in the loss of lives with over 50 well-stocked shops razed into ashes, according to the report.
The commodities destroyed in the shops were clothes, electronics, assorted food items among others leaving traders in tears with no help.
CES issued a statement on Friday confirming the losses after a series of assessments and inspections in the affected part of the market.
The state, however, did not reveal the names of the members but vowed to investigate the cause and ways to help those affected.
Central Equatoria’s response came after President Salva Kiir ordered Central Equatoria, Juba City Council, and security organs to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire that destroyed part of Konyo-Konyo market.
The governor’s statement, which was read out to the media on Friday by Gerald Francis, acting minister of information, confirmed that over 56 well-stocked shops were burnt.
“I, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, and my entire government is deeply saddened to hear the tragic fire outbreak that destroyed Konyo-Konyo Market, which resulted in over 56 shops burnt down and reported loss of lives,” CES state governor Augustino Jadallah said in a statement.
As traders count losses estimated to be millions of South Sudan Pounds (SSP), the state government, after inspection, revealed that it is committed to investigating the cause of the fire and how to help those affected.
“As an immediate response, I have constituted a committee to do facts findings and report to my office within fourteen (14) days to Inform next steps of action, he said.
The governor, however, opened doors to help by justifying readiness to support those affected by the incident.
“My people, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is any way I can assist or support you during this difficult period, do not hesitate to let me know, he said.
The state government appealed to the traders affected to remain calm, reaffirming government support.
As mains to reduce further outbreaks, the state government has cautioned traders to shun overcrowded market streets that are left as passage.
On his part, Wani Tom Sebit, Minister of Trade and Industry, revealed that the committee formed by the governor would gather necessary data regarding the fire outbreak in the market.
He expressed a reiterated government to ensure that traders are protected.
Tom expressed that the recently formed committee would ensure that the necessary information is gathered and get the way forward to help those affected.
In 2022, a fire outbreak at Custom Market in Juba destroyed goods worth millions of South Sudanese Pounds however there was no immediate help.
In 2015, an extensive fire ripped through part of Custom Market and destroyed at least 15 shops.
In 2019, a fire outbreak at the same market burnt down some shops with traders estimating hundreds of millions of South Sudanese Pounds losses.
In December 2021, traders at Custom Market counted losses of goods worth millions of South Sudanese Pounds after a fire gutted 62 shops.