Fire at informal market in Opuwo

A fire at the Epupa informal market at Opuwo Wednesday night has left several vendors without an income.
The cause of the fire, which broke out at around 19:00, is yet to be determined.
The Namibian police crime investigation coordinator in Kunene Region, Deputy Commissioner Rudolf Kanyetu yesterday confirmed the incident and said no injuries have been reported.
Firefighters battled to get the blaze under control and the town council had to bring in an additional water tank. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that many of the stall structures are made of plastic bags, boxes and wood.
Ndengu Andreas, a vendor at the Epupa informal market told this news agency all their pots, plates, food and traditional beer was ruined.
“Eight vendors use my stall as a storeroom and there is nothing is left, as you can see,” he said.
Another vendor, Vihemba Kangwalata said they suspect that someone broke into one of the storerooms and set it on fire. He however could not say what would have driven someone to set the market on fire.
A senior traditional councillor, Tjiharuka Uakandaiza said the fire not only affected the vendors, who lost their income, but the entire community and the town’s economy.
“This is one of the markets where residents can get food for a low price. One can get a plate of food for only N$5,” Tjiharuka said.
He said that he will call a meeting with other traditional leaders so that they can discuss ways to assist the affected vendors.
NAMPA