LMA Supt. appeals for fire victims

The Superintendent of the Liberia Marketing Association in Bong County has launched an appeal to philanthropic organizations to assist members of the association last week affected by a fire incidence in Gbarnga.

Fire gutted several business houses in the city, as well as burning up some residential areas. The cause of the fire, which started in one of the houses just within the environment of the market, has not been established as state security continues investigation.

Madam Viola Cooper told our Bong County correspondent that the fire disaster was a set back to the marketers who were trying to recover from the economic wounds of the Ebola outbreak that left many people dead in the country.

Madam Cooper said the affected business people will find it abundantly difficult to recover, if the necessary assistance by the government and other good will individuals and institutions were not given.

The Bong County LMA Superintendent has, however, called on those affected by the fire incidence to be calm as the leadership and others continue to appeal for assistance.

The main Gbarnga Central Market and six other businesses were destroyed by the fire, before being put under control by motorcyclists, marketers and other concerned citizens.

Some marketers nearby were able to quickly packed their goods before the fire extension to their market tables. Since the fire incidence, many residents of Bong County have renewed calls for the government to empower the National Fire Service local office in the county to help respond to any situation of such nature.

About a year ago when fire gutted stores on the main street of Gbarnga, Officers of the National Fire service were seen moving about the area,without a single bucket to arrest the situation.

However, a response from UNMIL helped the outbreak.

By Papa Morris from Gbarnga, Bong County-Edited by George Barpeen