Cause of fire still to be determined – Deputy Fire Chief

Gafoors Houston Complex fire

Following the blaze at the Gafoors Houston Complex on Monday, which destroyed several sections of the shopping complex, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) investigators are probing several theories as to the cause of the calamitous fire.

Deputy Fire Chief Compton Sparman revealed that contrary to some reports, the Fire Service investigations are still incomplete and they have not yet come to any conclusions. “You have to understand that this was a huge fire, and as such, we are still examining several theories as to the cause,” he told Guyana Times.

He went on to say that the GFS has not yet ruled out any possible causes and as such, he will not speculate on the factors that led to the incident.

Meanwhile, plans are already underway to commence reconstruction of the building. According to information received, works will commence immediately after the insurance company has completed its assessment of the damages and losses.

It has been noted that efforts to create temporary working facilities at the complex for some staff are already underway. Additionally, the company on Wednesday commenced the relocation of workers to its other branches so as to ensure that employees are not direly affected by the fire.

The calamitous fire left over 530 employees with questions as to whether or not they would have to seek alternative employment but the company’s Executive Chairman, Sattaur Gafoor ,after the meeting with the workers as well as the company’s Board members on Wednesday, came to a decision that the employees, who live within close proximity of the Parika, East Bank Essequibo and Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara branches would be temporarily relocated to those locations.

Gafoor has also announced that those workers who were directly affected by the blaze and those that would not be relocated will be given 50 per cent of their salaries during the period that they would be off the job.