When will the Serrekunda Market flames be put out?

I woke up early Saturday morning in my usual bountiful alacrity only to have that marred by the shocking news of yet another fire disaster at our perhaps most vibrant and prominent business centre- Serekunda Market.

To ascertain the calamity and to have clear information behind the inferno, I decided to take a stroll to the premises. I was more agonized as I stood facing the affected area, trying to register the extent of the disaster in mind. I could not fathom out the level of the damage as I try to imagine the wasted wealth and how the victims must be hard hit by the whole thing.

Serekunda Market is probably the most strategic and prominent business centre of the country and has served as a financial refuge for many especially the petty traders who toil long to put those valuables on their selling tables; the hub of their hope and aspirations. To see this happening to the market is disgustingly damaging and uncalled for.

The whole thing being spilt milk now, the vital questions to ask which naturally need urgent and lasting solutions are: what causes the repeated outbreak and how can it be arrested. Understandably, lots of stories and myths have been construed regarding the repeated outbreak.

Some have gone mystical or superstitious in telling their stories whilst others suggest that it must be the work of bandits. The third and usual option of electric failure does not seem to have held ground this time as it is said that the area has not been electrified.

Whatever the situation, I think the authorities must launch a thorough and comprehensive scrutiny of the situation for a lasting solution. If need be, the soldiers and not the ordinary care takers should guard the market. Let the place be well structured so that a fire outbreak is unlikely.

It is a national concern and so all efforts are needed, be it in prayers or other intelligent moves.