A preliminary assessment has indicated that the total value of goods lost in the Musanze market fire is estimated at Rwf 30 billion, as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the damage, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde has confirmed.
Mugabowagahunde revealed the development on Sunday evening following joint efforts to contain the fire at the GOICO building. The market hosts nearly 2,000 traders, and four of its upper floors were completely gutted by the blaze. Only the ground floor was spared from the intense fire that broke out on Saturday, October 10.
“Part of the building’s lower structure was not affected by the fire, but we are thankful that no lives were lost during the incident,” Governor Mugabowagahunde said in a brief media interview. “Preliminary data collected indicates that the market held goods estimated at Rwf 30 billion. However, the exact cost of the damage will be established and announced once the probe into the incident is fully completed.”
He added that the commercial building itself is valued at Rwf 17 billion.
Traders who lost their property spoke to The New Times, sharing that individual business losses ranged between Rwf 7 million and Rwf 120 million. Many affected vendors operated without insurance coverage, leaving them facing devastating financial setbacks.
A verification by Kigali Up confirmed that mostly larger businesses had active insurance, including Simba Supermarket, which managed to survive the inferno due to its location on the lower level.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Rwanda, the security forces—specifically the Rwanda National Police Fire Brigade—and the residents of Musanze who came to our aid,” said Joseph Mutabazi, Managing Director of Simba Supermarket. “Although the upper levels of the building were severely damaged, the ground floor was spared, including the Simba Supermarket, as the fire started on the upper floors.”
As of Sunday, the government announced its commitment to supporting the market’s rehabilitation so that businesses can resume operations.
