Hundreds of traders at the busy Custom Market whose shops were destroyed by fire on Monday evening are now calling on the government to investigate the causes of the fire and charge anyone found culpable.

The fire destroyed more than 60 shops and 100 kiosks at the custom market, causing damage worth over SSP 100 million, which left the traders in discomfort.

The City Review visited the market on Wednesday and spoke to traders who were sunk in sorrow and lamented over the incident.

They sat desperately hoping that a miraculous helping hand would come to their rescue as they said that they had no one to turn to and emotions took hold of them.

“I cannot believe that everything has gone like that. Where can I get another one now? ” Shabina said as tears kept falling from her face.

Lost everything                                    

Kisechy Joan, one of the traders who lost everything in the fire, said she will be fine only when the incident is investigated and the person responsible is held accountable.

“I lost everything. The way I see it, authorities’ going silent about it is as if things are going to end like that. We want an investigation, otherwise, the government has to be held accountable for what happened, ” Joan emphasised.

She shouted, “We are not the same. Maybe some people have something to start a business with. What about some of us who have known no alternative? ” She was cut short, only to see tears rolling.

Balasi Modi, a 20-year-old man who also lost his property in the incident, said although his shop was not destroyed by fire, all the items were looted by thieves.

“What happened was bad, and although I look normal, it is something that may make someone mad if they are not strong,” he stressed.

“I know the government is not doing anything, but I am asking them just to investigate what has happened because I am sure they know where the fire started from and if they know the person has to be responsible.”

Asked if they would want a person found liable to pay for all the losses, Modi said: “Yes, why not?” People are pointing fingers at someone who is a foreigner, and if it is true, then their country needs to pay for their behaviour. “

On Tuesday, while narrating what happened to officials, Martin Juma Lojong, who is the Custom Market Chamber of Commerce Chairperson, requested the Juba City administration to help the affected traders.

According to him, all the burned shops were well filled with goods that had been brought for Christmas.

One woman collapsed after she got her shop burnt down, and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“Those people need government help to fix their businesses, otherwise they would not be able to restore their businesses.”

However, police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin told the local media that they have launched an investigation into the incident.

“Our members were there since yesterday, and today (Tuesday) we launched an investigation to find out what the source of the fire outbreak was.”