Chakwela calls on Malawi govt to insure markets: Offers K1m relief
Leader of opposition and president of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Rev Dr Lazarous Chakwera has called on government to insure all main markets as a precaution to the safety of traders goods.
Chakwela made the remarks after he visited Lilongwe Tsoka Market which was gutted by fire Tuesday night and asked government to “swiftly investigate the cause of the fire”.
The leader of opposition said the “unexplained fire is worrisome” saying “this is not the way things should be.”
In recent months, market fires have burnt vendors’ merchandise in Mzuzu, Blantyre and now Lilongwe.
MCP leader said: “I was saddened when I heard about it. “
Chakwela also promised that as a party, MCP will assist the vendors with relief package of not less than K1 million.
Over 3500 vendors have been affected by the fire and the vendors estimates that goods worth K1 billion has been destroyed.
Chairperson of Lilongwe Vendors Association, James ‘Yelayela’ Soko said the fire has inflicted a huge loss on them as many have loans with financial institutions.
Lilongwe police spokesperson Kingsley Dandaula said police are still investigating to find the cause of the fire.
