MUSANZE -  Merchandise worth Rwf7.5 million was destroyed after fire gutted five shops in Ruhengeri town, over the weekend.

The fire, which broke out on Sunday morning destroyed hardware products, and other merchandise including a newly constructed building nearby. 

"I have gone back to zero; I worked for many years to accumulate what has now been reduced to ashes,’’ said Mudarubindi, who lost over Rwf 3million worth in goods.

Local authorities mobilised residents to put out the fire using water and fire extinguishers from nearby petrol stations. Assistance also came from the construction company Strabag.

Amiel Ndahiro, the Sector Executive Secretary, said that the cause of fire was still unknown, but suspected an electric fault. 

In the last three months, four houses have caught fire in Ruhengeri town. 

Ndahiro appealed to traders to have their property insured against fire to cushion any potential losses. The upcountry town does not have fire fighters.

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