Property worth millions destroyed in Pakwach inferno

Property worth millions was destroyed in a mid-day inferno in Pakwach town council, Nebbi district on Friday.
 
The fire, which was caused by a paraffin fridge in one of the shops is said to have spread quickly.
 
According to Abel Rugonza, the officer in charge Pakwach town council, three people were injured in the fire, as they tried to rescue their properties.
 
He identified the injured as Aisha Adam, Ashraf Hassan, and Paul Oryema, all had shops in the building, adding that they have been rushed for treatment at  Pakwach health center IV.
 
Rugonza said the building which was destroyed completely belonged to Musa Furajala, a famous businessman in Pakwach, adding that it had over 10 occupants.
 
"It's a very sad moment for our traders, the fire has left them empty handed," he said.
 
Traders and police looked helplessly as the fire escalated and caused more damage due to lack of firefighting truck to contain it.
 
Residents had to stage a spirited fight to help control the fire from spreading to a nearby building which houses Stanbic bank, Pakwach branch.
 
"This is serious, Pakwach town does not have fire brigade, this incident could have been thwarted, we shall not work like that, think twice our leaders," Alfred Jawoko, a resident of Pakwach town.
 
Abraham Owachgiu, the chairman of Pakwach business community said the incident had negatively affected the livelihoods of traders.
 
He called for appropriate action to be taken to avert future crises. He also appealed to businessmen to stop using paraffin fridges, arguing that they endanger their business.
 
"We need firefighting truck, such thing should not be seen taking place again," he said.
 
Aisha, one of the victims, said, she lost sh15m cash, and the stock lost worth more than sh20m.
 
She said that she does not know where to start or what to do as this was her only source of income.
 
She hopes that well-wishers will come on board and help them re-build their businesses.