Embers of Opportunity: How Burundi’s North Mutanga Small Market is Forging a Brighter Future through Calcination

Mutanga Nord’s small market was the target of a massive fire. Carpentry workshops were not spared, causing very significant damage. The fire consumed all the furniture that was being made, the tables, the machines, leaving the operators in disarray. They are asking for his rehabilitation

A fire damaged the furniture market in Mutanga Nord (Bujumbura). Everything was reduced to ashes.

A large-scale fire was announced around 2 am on the night of September 14 to 15, 2024. From the morning, the bad news spread like wildfire, especially on social networks. Comments come from all over while the operators of this famous furniture manufacturing market are completely deserted. In a short time, the flames had already reached the carpentry workshops where furniture (beds, wardrobes, sofas, armchairs, dining tables, wardrobes, etc.) were stored waiting to be sold. It is a great loss for the carpenters who had invested so much in this profession. All this arsenal was reduced to ashes. The operators spared nothing. Pay close attention to the extent of the damage sustained.

A sign of solidarity towards the victims

The day after the tragedy, the mayor of the city of Bujumbura went to the scene to comfort the people who were directly affected by this tragedy. The mayor of the city of Bujumbura assured them that investigations will be carried out to identify the causes of this incident.

For those who were used to the place, there were hundreds of carpenters working in this place. There were even NGOs that supported young people who were looking for work for an immersion mission to learn the profession. They are true professionals who have been practicing for years. Over time, the space saw sellers of woodworking tools (saw, glue, but also tailors to make the covers). the internet Everyone observes technical unemployment while they live from this profession day by day.

It is a great shame that we find ourselves idle with so many losses on our account. The electrical machinery installed there was also affected. All the equipment went up in smoke. Everything has to start again, comments a carpenter who has worked there since 2018. He joins his peers in asking for a rapid redevelopment of this space to resume service.

The curse

For believers, fire symbolizes an eternal power beyond other forces. On the other hand, this recurring phenomenon in our country would rather be considered a curse. Market fires are common. Last month, Kamenge market narrowly escaped another fire. The Jabe board market was completely burned down two years ago. The terrible fire that ravaged the old Bujumbura central market (under rehabilitation) remains a subject of memories.

The list of buildings affected by fires is long. Meanwhile, several galleries are emerging from the ground even in residential areas. Fire prevention systems where they exist are not efficient at all. This exposes operators to hazards. It is better to introduce compulsory fire insurance to avoid this kind of avoidable loss.

When civil society is involved

In the wake of the events, AJAP announced on its Twitter account what it describes as an Act of Condemnation and Solidarity. It strongly condemns this act of vandalism which resulted in significant material damage. As an organization committed to progress and human rights, it denounces and discourages this destructive act that plunges many families into economic uncertainty and poverty.

This civil society organization calls on the relevant authorities to strengthen security measures in commercial areas of the country to ensure a safe environment for traders and citizens in general, in order to prevent such incidents from happening again in the country. AJAP is ready to collaborate with the authorities and other civil society actors to provide support to victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.