Fire destroys establishments in one of Maputo’s busiest markets

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Fire destroys establishments in one of Maputo’s busiest markets

12:20 CAT | 23 Jun 2020

Photo: O País

At least six commercial establishments were partially destroyed last night in a fire in Xipamanine market, one of the busiest in Maputo.

The fire, which broke out at around 9:00 p.m., may have been caused by a short circuit in one of the commercial establishments in the market, according to sources cited by Mozambique Television (TVM).

The fire brigade were called to the scene, but much stock in the six commercial establishments was destroyed by the fire, the same source added. No reference to the existence of possible victims was made.

A week ago, as part of the new coronavirus prevention measures, Maputo Municipal Council decided to temporarily close the markets of the Mozambican capital and Xipamanine was the first.

Xipamanine market was closed for three days for the municipal council to reorganize the space, delimiting new places for sellers in order to guarantee social distancing.

Some informal traders however were at odds with the measure, fearing they would lose their space in the market due.

Speaking to Lusa, the head of the Xipamanine Informal Market Commission, Vasco Massingue, said that sellers would not be removed from their stalls, and that the municipality’s goal was to safeguard the health of traders.

Meanwhile, this morning, Maputo mayor Eneas Comiche visited Xipamanine market, O País reports.

With a total of 737 infections and five dead registered by Monday (June 22), Mozambique has been in a state of emergency since April 1st, twice extended until June 29th.

Various restrictions are in place. All schools are closed, as are entertainment and leisure spaces; all types of public events are prohibited, and the population is recommended to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

The Covid-19 pandemic has already claimed more than 469,000 lives and infected nearly nine million people in 196 countries and territories, according to the French press agency, AFP.

Source: Lusa / O País