Dear Editor,
The spate of fires continues with another market partially gutted. Lives and livelihoods displaced. Community economy has taken a blow. Businesses suffer tremendous losses.
This time it is believed the cause of the fire was electrical (SN Nov 28). Too many fires, with the cause given as electrical, are taking place. Destruction is swift. It begs the question are these public places equipped with fire-fighting equipment? How often are electrical checks conducted to ensure compliance and safety of equipment and appliances housed in stalls?
Markets countrywide, given the nature of business conducted there, with highly flammable goods and material, should be inspected by the relevant authorities frequently. The installation of fire equipment by stall holders should form part of their rental agreement.
All the while the Parika Market, which was also destroyed by fire, remains a work in progress, if slowly.
Yours faithfully,
Shamshun Mohamed
