Africa-Press – Liberia. The owner of a residential property on 9th Street, Sinkor, is urging the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) to immediately investigate a weekend fire that destroyed part of his compound and displaced multiple tenants.
Mohammed Kuyateh, owner and manager of the Kuyateh Residence, made the call following the incident, which occurred on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The fire engulfed a four-bedroom apartment within the compound, causing significant material losses and rendering residents homeless.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, June 10, Kuyateh said the fire may have been caused by illegal electrical activity conducted by a tenant. He alleged that the unit where the fire originated had been leased to Angel Enciso Merino, whom he accused of carrying out unauthorized electrical connections.
Kuyateh claimed, “After the fire, instead of allowing professional authorities to investigate, Mr. Merino returned with a group of men to carry out yet another unauthorized electrical hookup. This is not only irresponsible—it is a death trap that endangers everyone living on the property.”
The compound, which is situated next to the residence of former President George Manneh Weah, houses more than four apartment units and several families. Kuyateh expressed concern that the lives of all tenants are at risk unless immediate regulatory action is taken. When contacted by reporters, Mr. Merino declined to comment on the allegations, stating only, “My lawyer will address this matter in due course.”
Kuyateh has since filed a formal request with the Liberia National Fire Service to inspect the site and determine the actual cause of the fire. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in residential safety, especially in densely populated areas. “There needs to be an impartial investigation, not only to assign responsibility but to ensure that this kind of incident never happens again,” he said.
Other residents of the compound, some of whom witnessed the fire, echoed Kuyateh’s concerns and called on the government to conduct city-wide inspections of apartment buildings, particularly those with shared or modified electrical systems.
The LNFS has not yet issued a public statement on the incident. However, fire safety experts have long warned that unauthorized electrical wiring is among the leading causes of residential fires in Liberia’s urban communities.
Kuyateh says he is cooperating with authorities and taking steps to improve the safety conditions of his property. “This is not just about my building,” he said. “It’s about protecting lives.”
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