SOUTH SUDAN: Fire Outbreak At Konyokonyo Market In Juba Causes Damages As Business Owners Count Losses

South Sudan: By Debora Akur Chol,

A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Konyokonyo Market in Juba, late Thursday afternoon, engulfing several shops and causing significant damage to goods and property.

The fire, which is suspected to have started from an electrical fault, spread quickly through the market, leaving vendors and shoppers in a state of panic as smoke filled the air.

Konyokonyo Market, one of the largest and most important markets in the capital, is a hub for daily commerce, particularly for food, clothing, and household goods.

The market, which is often crowded, was filled with traders and shoppers when the fire began, leading to frantic efforts to save merchandise.

Local authorities and firefighters responded promptly, but the intense blaze overwhelmed their initial efforts.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames shoot up from one of the stalls, rapidly spreading to nearby structures made of wood and other highly flammable materials.

The fire’s swift progression left little time for vendors to salvage their goods, with many losing their products, equipment, and income.

Some reports indicate that at least 20 shops were destroyed in the fire.

One of the Vendors who didn’t want to mention his name, narrated his experience to African Culture TV, saying:

“I was selling vegetables when I saw the smoke and then the flames.

“We all ran out of the market as fast as we could, but there was nothing we could do to save our businesses. It’s a huge loss for us.”

The fire has not only caused economic hardship for the vendors but also raised concerns over the safety of markets in Juba, many of which are built with limited infrastructure to withstand such disasters.

The lack of proper fire safety equipment and regulations in public markets has long been a concern for authorities and traders alike.

Juba’s Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that several fire trucks and water trucks were deployed to the scene, but due to the densely packed nature of the market and the lack of access routes, firefighters and the shop owner struggled to contain the blaze quickly.

It took several hours before the fire was fully extinguished.

Authorities have promised to investigate the cause of the fire and provide support to the affected vendors.

The spokesperson for Juba’s local government said: “We are doing everything we can to ensure the vendors receive assistance in rebuilding their businesses. Additionally, we will look into the possible causes of the fire and strengthen safety protocols in markets across the city.”

The incident has drawn attention to the need for better infrastructure and fire safety measures in South Sudan’s major markets.

With limited resources and a rapidly growing population in Juba, many fear that more tragedies could occur if steps are not taken to improve the safety and preparedness of public spaces.

In the aftermath, local businesses and humanitarian organisations have called for immediate aid for the affected vendors.

The recovery process is expected to be slow, but the spirit of solidarity among Juba’s residents is strong, with many pledging to support the market’s rebuilding efforts.

As the investigation into the fire continues, officials are urging people to be vigilant and cautious about fire safety, especially in crowded public spaces.

The fire at Konyokonyo Market serves as a reminder of the pressing need for better disaster preparedness and response strategies in South Sudan’s urban areas.