The report indicated that the inferno was caused by unattended fire and added the suspected arsonist is still under investigation. It also established that the extent of damage is one million, six hundred and fifty-five thousand, six hundred and fifty dalasis (D1, 655, 650).
The multi-sectoral task force,launched on May 15, by the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Sheriff Sonko, was assigned to investigate and establish the cause of the fire outbreak that affected second hand cloth vendors in Brikama and to establish the extent of the damage and make recommendations to avoid reoccurrence.
The task force comprised officials of Governor's office, the Council, Brikama Fire and Rescue Service, Regional Disaster Management Agency, NAWEC, Red Cross, Brikama District Hospital and the Local Market Committee.
Presenting the report to Brikama Area Council chairman in his office, senior divisional fire officer, Adama Sanyang said they held series of meetings and one-on-one interviews with the victims.
She said after their investigations of the area, the task force also included recommendations in the report which includes the decongestion of the area, provision of access roads in the event of emergency, vendors to vacate the area as they are illegally occupants there and for Brikama Council to appoint a safety officer.
West Coast Region deputy governor, Musa Suso praised the task force members for giving their time in producing a timely report, saying as recipients, they will closely study the report and adopt recommendations that are required to be implemented immediately.
Chairman of Brikama Area Council, Sheriffo Sonko told the task force members that it was out of trust that the council gave them the responsibility and they have delivered on time.
Like deputy governor Suso, chairman Sonko also promised that they will study the report at council level and act on the recommendations immediately. He appealed to people to change their attitudes and take ownership of the market.
Chief executive officer of the council, Modou Jonga assured that they will give high and due consideration to the report and its recommendations in order to avert fire outbreaks in the future.
