Renovation begins at Erbil's Langa Bazaar after devastating fire
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a recent interview with Kurdistan 24, Masoud Karesh, the Deputy Governor of Erbil, revealed that the Kurdistan Government has initiated the restoration process for the popular Langa Bazaar.
The market, situated between 100M and 40M Streets in the heart of Erbil, spans an impressive 50 thousand square meters and hosts over two thousand and 200 commercial stores.
Karesh emphasized the significance of the Langa Bazaar as a bustling hub for shoppers in Erbil, underscoring its pivotal role in the local economy. However, tragedy struck when a devastating fire ravaged the market, causing extensive damage to more than 60 stores.
Prompt action from civil defense crews and other concerned parties managed to contain the blaze within record time, preventing further escalation. Karesh expressed gratitude for the swift response, acknowledging that negligence could have led to catastrophic consequences.
In response to the incident, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) swiftly mobilized aid efforts. The first phase involves the restoration of the burned section of the market, with a contract worth 300 million dinars signed with a contractor to commence immediate maintenance and repair work.
Furthermore, as part of the second phase of assistance, the government has announced a one-year rent exemption for affected stores, coupled with a six-month waiver on service fees. This relief package aims to support the affected businesses in resuming operations and mitigating financial strain during the recovery period.
Karesh emphasized the importance of adherence to safety guidelines and regulations, urging store owners to prioritize safety measures to prevent future incidents. He noted that while instructions were provided to store operators, compliance remains a challenge. For instance, storing items outside the shop poses significant fire hazards, as witnessed during the recent incident.
As restoration efforts gain momentum, the Erbil community stands united in rebuilding the iconic Langa Bazaar. The government's proactive measures underscore its commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of local businesses and preserving Erbil's vibrant commercial landscape.
On Tuesday evening, March 27, 2024, a large fire broke out at the Langa bazaar in Erbil. According to a Kurdistan24 reporter, the fire broke out in the middle of the bazaar and firefighters requested assistance from other teams due to its size.
The reporter also stated that according to preliminary information, no burns had been reported. Approximately 10% to 15% of the bazaar burned, and there was a chance that the fire would spread, according to a Kurdistan24 reporter on the scene. The fire started at 7:23 p.m.