Aftermath of Kapalala Market Fire Leaves Traders Devastated

Hundreds of traders at Kapalala Market in Ndola are counting their losses after a fire swept through the market, destroying goods worth thousands of kwacha.

The blaze, which broke out late Saturday night, reduced stalls and merchandise to ashes, leaving many families without a source of income. Although no lives were lost, traders say the incident has robbed them of their livelihoods.

“I have lost everything. My shop was my only means of supporting my family,” lamented one trader.

Authorities have since launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire, while the local council has assured traders of plans to find temporary trading spaces.

Copperbelt Province officials have also pledged to engage the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to explore possible relief support for affected traders.

The Kapalala Market has suffered several fire outbreaks in recent years, raising fresh concerns about safety standards in public trading places.