The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation into the cause of a fire that gutted the famous China Star Supermarket in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), on Saturday night.
Reports are that the fire started at about 20:15h at the supermarket, which is located in Lethem’s commercial zone.
The fire that destroyed the China Star Supermarket in Lethem
According to the Guyana Fire Service, the structure was a wooden and concrete building of two floors which was operated as a general store and served as the living quarters of Wuumo Cheng and Wuujian Giun.
The Fire Service noted that one water tender and crew from the Lethem Fire Station, along with auxiliary firefighters, immediately responded to the scene and with the use of a pressurised fire hydrant, they were able to extinguish the blaze and save several buildings in close proximity to the China Star Supermarket.
However, the China Star Supermarket was destroyed, leaving two persons homeless and more than ten persons unemployed.
Hundreds of residents also came out in their numbers to assist the owners, but despite their efforts, the building was completely destroyed, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn along with firefighters at the scene of the fire on Sunday
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham, Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns and a team of investigators visited the location to assess the damage and ascertain what caused the fire.
According to the GFS, the team met with John Macedo, the Mayor of Lethem, operators of the China Star Supermarket, representatives of the local business community, and other residents to discuss the way forward and the required steps that must be taken to prevent a repeat of such a significant loss by fire.
One of the issues that will soon be addressed is the certification of buildings in the commercial area to ensure that they are in keeping with the building codes, since the design of the China Star Supermarket as well as the materials used in its construction hampered firefighters from gaining access to the building.
Additionally, a fire prevention plan will be developed for the township of Lethem and more fire hydrants will be planted in the area in efforts to stay ahead of the curve. This initiative will extend to all regions.
The famous China Star Supermarket, according to residents, was a landmark in the commercial zone as the first mega Chinese store built in Lethem.
One resident in a Facebook post said “Lethem definitely needs more fire trucks and firemen, there was nothing much they could have done. Assistance was given to them by the Brazilian company. This is a very sad situation for the business community.”
Meanwhile, Mayor of Lethem John Macedo praised firefighters, Police, and Guyana Water Incorporated for their efforts to fight the fire which destroyed the China Star store.
“It is with deep regret that we have lost one of the first buildings in the commercial zone… I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the Lethem Fire Service team for a job well done in preventing the fire from destroying nearby buildings.”
“There wasn’t anything they could have done to save the China Star store. Under the circumstances, the officers of the Fire Service did their best. Special thanks for the assistance rendered by Coema Guyana, the Lethem Police Force, GWI, LMPCI,” he said. (G9)
