The President of the National Assembly, Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, visited the site of the Ngozi central market on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The visit followed a violent fire that ravaged the market on the night of Thursday, July 9, 2026. The blaze caused significant material damage and tragically resulted in the death of one person. This devastating incident prompted the high-ranking official's visit to assess the damage firsthand and offer support to the affected community.
Officials Offer Condolences
Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, the President of the National Assembly, expressed his profound compassion to the merchants who suffered significant losses of their goods in the devastating fire. He conveyed his deepest sympathies for the immense challenges now facing the market community. During his visit, Mr. Ndabirabe addressed the affected vendors directly, acknowledging the severe impact the blaze had on their livelihoods and the substantial material damage incurred. He called upon the merchants to foster a spirit of solidarity and cooperation among themselves as they begin the arduous recovery process. The President showed the importance of working together to rebuild their livelihoods, emphasizing that collective effort would be key in overcoming the aftermath of the blaze and helping the market regain its operations. He noted that by uniting their strengths and resources, the traders could more effectively navigate the path to reconstruction and economic recovery following the extensive damage.
Calls for Insurance and Preparedness
National Assembly President Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe stressed the critical role of insurance for various aspects of economic life during his visit to Ngozi market. He insisted that individuals engaged in economic activities should subscribe to insurance coverage for their businesses, health, infrastructure, and goods. He emphasized that such full insurance measures could significantly mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen events like the recent fire, providing a key safety net against substantial losses. Ndabirabe's message showed the importance of foresight and financial planning in protecting against future calamities.
The President urged economic operators to unite their efforts to acquire fire trucks, which he stated were essential for rapid intervention in similar emergencies. He noted that collective investment in such vital resources could significantly reduce damage and loss, potentially preventing future catastrophes from escalating. Ndabirabe recalled the importance of maintaining hygiene in crowded public spaces like markets to prevent the spread of diseases. He proposed that merchants consider pooling their resources to acquire a water tanker, specifically for the purpose of market cleaning and sanitation. This initiative, he noted, would contribute to a healthier environment for both vendors and customers, ensuring public health standards are upheld in a bustling commercial hub. He elaborated that a dedicated water tanker would allow for regular and thorough cleaning, preventing the accumulation of waste and promoting a more sanitary trading environment.
Future Market Cooperation
National Assembly President Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe encouraged the affected traders to demonstrate resilience and commitment to economic progress. He exhorted merchants to show courage and persevere for development, a statement aimed at motivating them to rebuild their livelihoods following the fire. Ndabirabe's message emphasized the importance of their continued efforts in the local economy, recognizing their key role in the region's commercial activity. The call for perseverance was part of a broader appeal for solidarity and strategic planning, including the adoption of insurance and collective resource acquisition for safety and hygiene. He reiterated that a unified approach, combining individual responsibility with collective action, would be key to not only recovering from the present disaster but also building a more secure and prosperous future for the Ngozi central market.
