Bamenda Market Fire Victims Grieve Over Gov't's Neglect,Want Shops Back After Reconstruction

By Raymond Dingana

Victims of the February 22, 2024, fire incident at the Bamenda main market say the government has abandoned them despite losing everything in the inferno. Over 300 shops were destroyed, leaving hundreds stranded.

Even before the first anniversary of the inferno, 13 of those affected have died due to trauma, high blood pressure, and other health issues, while the survivors continue to languish with nowhere to turn.

Bamenda Main Market Fire Victims Carrying Placards In Protest

Last Friday, February 21, during an ecumenical service at the Big Mankon Cathedral, the victims carried placards bearing messages such as:

 "We are still waiting for government assistance; we have nowhere to turn,"

said one of the victims.

After the fire incident, the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simone Emile Mooh, accompanied by other government officials, visited the market and carried out some exercises that raised the hopes of the victims, as many believed help was on the way. Unfortunately, the victims say they were disappointed as their hopes were dashed.

"After that fire incident, some of our colleagues started something small behind Savannah Street at Commercial Avenue, only to be hit by another fire incident. Our wish now is to get back our shops as quickly as possible so that we can start all over again,"

 said another victim.

At the Bamenda main market, although reconstruction is underway, there are fears that the shops, once completed, will be handed to the highest bidders, thereby plunging those who suffered in the inferno into further misery, while those who were never affected could benefit at the expense of the victims.

Images Taken After The Devastating Fire Outbreak At The Bamenda Main Market 

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