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Residents of No.6 Modu Street, located behind Munku Market in Port Loko City, have been grappling with the aftermath of a destructive fire that broke out a week ago.
The disaster left them homeless, and many lost nearly all their belongings in the devastating blaze that occurred last Wednesday.
Isha Conteh, a petty trader, shared her challenging experience with the situation. “We are surviving by the grace of Allah. Some of our relatives who live outside of Port Loko have been sending us money to help. Currently, we are staying with our neighbors in an unfinished house, sleeping on the cold floor, and enduring the rainy
season,” she revealed. Isha further explained how the fire ravaged the houses in her absence. “Most of the rooms were closed at around 6 pm when the fire started. Since many of the residents are business people, most of us were not at home. My mother usually looks after the house and takes care of our children. Due to our absence, it was difficult to save our belongings,” she lamented.
A single mother of two children, who now resides at the fire site, shared assistance. She stated that someone visited them and promised to provide help, but nothing has materialized about 30 kilometers away from her struggles and hope yet. “Currently, I’m surviving with the support of my neighbors. Some have been kind enough to bring me palm oil, rice, soap, clothes, and other essentials. Access to shelter and food has been challenging for us. When I returned home and saw that everything was gone, I was devastated. A man visited and took down the names of the fire victims, but we are still awaiting aid,” she disclosed.
She concluded by advising parents to keep a close eye on their children, especially those under the age of five.
The fire incident was triggered by a 5-year-old girl who accidentally ignited a fire while playing with a lighter in one of the rooms.
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded, but the material losses have been substantial. Sorie, a businessman who resided in one of the affected houses, shared his unfortunate experience with some individuals who offered to help. “I lost my phone and other items when some people came to assist us. I cannot recall who exactly took my belongings; all I remember is someone telling me to hand over my things, saying they would take them across the street. I gave the person my phone and other items,” he recounted.
As the affected residents of No.6 Modu Street strive to rebuild their lives, they are in dire need of support and assistance from the community and well-wishers. The devastating fire has left them with the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives from scratch.
