Authorities have secured 635 premises in Musanze town to help traders displaced by the fire that gutted GOICO Plaza resume their businesses, Northern Province Governor Mugabohawagahunde Maurice has said.
The move is part of measures introduced by local authorities to support traders affected by the disaster, particularly those who can afford to continue operating but need alternative premises.
Mugabohawagahunde said authorities were working to find solutions for traders who had suffered losses, including engaging insurance companies to speed up compensation for those covered by insurance policies.
Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), he said traders able to resume operations were being helped to find space in commercial buildings across Musanze town.
“Some traders have approached us saying that, despite the losses they have suffered, they are ready to start again and are not giving up. We are working together to find premises for them, and we have already identified more than 635 spaces in completed commercial buildings across the town,” he said.
“Our aim is to prevent anyone from taking advantage of this situation to charge them exorbitant rents.”
He said authorities were assessing each trader’s circumstances individually to understand the challenges they faced and the impact of the fire.
“Our responsibility as local authorities is to listen to everyone and understand their problems. Some traders have losses amounting to Rwf50 million, while others have lost even more. Everyone affected deserves to be heard, including those with outstanding bank loans,” he said.
“Our immediate priority is to establish the situation of each trader so that we can determine where assistance is needed. Speed is essential.”
The governor also commended those involved in rescue efforts when the fire broke out at GOICO Plaza, saying their response helped ensure that no one died in the incident.
Of the 17 people taken to hospital following the fire, including those who sustained injuries and those who experienced psychological distress, 15 have been discharged.
“We received 17 people at the hospital in two categories. Two had sustained minor injuries from broken glass. Both were treated and discharged, and they are now recovering well at home with their families,” he said.
“The other 15 had experienced psychological distress. By Sunday, 13 had been discharged, and on Monday morning I was informed that the remaining two were also improving and preparing to leave hospital.”
Mugabohawagahunde also referred to a message of encouragement from President Paul Kagame, saying the President had reminded those affected that GOICO Plaza was built through collective effort and that unity would be equally important in overcoming the consequences of the disaster.
“The key message was that we should not lose hope. GOICO Plaza was built through cooperation and collective effort, and we were urged to continue working together,” he said.
The governor added that several institutions, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the Ministry of Infrastructure and its affiliated agencies, had launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire and how it started. He said preliminary findings would be made public soon.
The fire broke out at GOICO Plaza in Musanze town on the afternoon of Saturday, October 10, 2026, destroying large quantities of goods and damaging commercial premises.
Preliminary estimates put the value of destroyed goods at about Rwf30 billion, while the market building itself is estimated to be worth Rwf17 billion.
Since the incident, government authorities have announced measures to help affected traders recover, including finding alternative premises and facilitating insurance compensation to help those covered by policies rebuild their businesses and resume operations.
