Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Two shops were reduced to ashes on Friday after a fire outbreak swept through Akuotayol Market in Bor town of South Sudan’s Jonglei State, the Municipal Council confirmed.
Bor Town Mayor Jacob Achiek Makchar said the fire started in the morning hours after one of the shop owners reportedly left food cooking before going for prayers.
“The owner of the shop left eggs boiling in his shop and went for prayers. That is where the fire started, and it quickly spread to the next shop. Unfortunately, all items in the two shops were destroyed before rescue efforts could stop the flames,” Achiek said.
He noted that the exact value of goods lost remains unclear, but estimated the damage to be worth thousands of South Sudanese Pounds.
The mayor cautioned traders against cooking inside their shops, urging them to take safety precautions to avoid future losses.
Eyewitness Ajak James said the fire spread rapidly before locals could respond.
“We saw smoke rising suddenly, and before people could react, the flames had already consumed the first shop. Traders and residents tried to put out the fire with water, but it was too strong,” James said.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the shop owners have been left counting heavy losses. They are appealing for assistance from state authorities and well-wishers to rebuild their businesses.
Friday’s incident comes just months after a similar fire in Bor’s Marol Market — the town’s largest trading hub — where dozens of shops were destroyed along Kampala Street and a child lost his life.
With two major market fires reported in less than a year, traders are expressing growing concern over recurring losses. They have called on the state government to establish an emergency fire response unit in Bor to safeguard businesses and properties.
Akuotayol Market, one of the busiest trading centres in Bor, remains highly vulnerable due to congestion, lack of firefighting equipment, and poor safety standards.
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