Kumba Traders Bid Farewell to Rampant Fire Outbreaks Thanks to Fierce Renovation by City Council
The Kumba City Council, led by City Mayor Greg Mewanu, has in the past few years emarked on an ambitious renovation project at the Kumba Main Market.
This initiative not only seeks to address the persistent threat of fires but also has as aim to revamp the entire marketplace.
For years, the Kumba Main Market has been plagued by destructive fires, exacerbated by the combustible nature of the market’s structures, predominantly constructed from wood.
These fires have often spread uncontrollably, leading to catastrophic losses for traders and the community at large. Notable incidents include the massive blaze on November 15, 2005, which razed 400 shops, causing estimated damages exceeding CFA 800 million francs.
Similarly, on February 8, 2020, another devastating fire further unveiled the urgent need for renovations, as it consumed several shops, inflicting significant financial and emotional tolls.
City Mayor Greg Mewanu, acknowledging the vulnerabilities posed by the traditional wooden structures, spearheaded the council’s decision to initiate extensive renovations.
The ongoing project involves upgrading the market’s infrastructure to modern, fire-resistant standards, thereby mitigating the risk of future fire disasters.
The proactive approach is not merely about reconstruction but also about transforming the Kumba Main Market into a safer and more resilient commercial hub.
It should be noted that since Greg Mewanu took over office in 2020, the mitigation of fire occurrences has been top on his action plan.
