Fire destroys property in Unity state

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

January 25, 2012 (BENTIU) – Fire destroyed 180 shops in Rubkotna county of Unity state on Wednesday, according to the chairman of the local trader’s union, James Kuom Pan.

Rubkotna hosts one of Unity state’s biggest markets, where many Darfurian traders sell their goods.

Deputy commissioner, James Gai Wich Chuol, described the fire as a “disaster” for the traders.

WichChuol explained that the South Sudanese army, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, were involved in the efforts to quell the blaze.

During 2011 approximately 30 shops were destroyed by fire in Rubkotna. WichChuol suggested that traders work towards building permamnent structures which will be less sussceptible to fire damage.

Salih Ahmed Mustafa, a trader, lost two shops in Rubkotna market. He described his crippling loss of stock but called on other traders to rally round and continue with their work; a sentiment echoed by trade union head, Pan, who also thanked state authorities for 0their assistance

(ST)