SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE—Over Frw15 million in merchandise has been lost in a fire that gutted business premises in Ngoma town early this week.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire was caused by an electric short circuit at around 11.00 PM and was only put out hours later with the help of police and army personnel in the area.

Localted in the Kiwarabu business district, the spot is frequented by businessmen, traders and merchants from all neighboring sectors.

A visibly shocked Aphrodis Misago, owner of one shop, said that almost all his merchandise was destroyed in the inferno.

"We managed to retrieve a few items but even that little was damaged during the scuffle to put it out,” said Misago. Jerome Karangwa, an official from the local authority applauded the efforts of residents to help put out the fire.

"We appreciate the efforts of the police, army, local-defence forces and local people,” Karangwa said.

"This is what should characterize Rwandans.”

He urged other business people to always make sure that all electrical installations were well made to avoid such incidents in the future.

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