Property worth more than Rwf60 million was reduced to ashes after fire gutted renowned Bambino Super City, a recreational and children park in Rusororo Sector in Gasabo District, yesterday.

The morning fire engulfed the bar and restaurant section of the recreational park.

When The New Times arrived at the scene, plumes of smoke were still coming from the 25-metre roof.

The restaurant had been razed by the fire, and furniture could not be saved by voluntary rescuers and the police fire brigade which intervened later.

There was, however, no human loss, according to staff.

The fire started at around 10:30am when people were busy doing some cleaning in other sections of the recreational park.

Speaking to The New Times, Augustin Gatarayiha, the labour and service director of Bambino Super City, explained that after noticing the magnitude of the inferno, he mobilised workers around to try and salvage some of the property.

"People managed to pull out some chairs and other portable furniture and items but many refrigerators, large flat television screens and furniture were burnt. The fire spread fast due to the ceiling which was supported by timber pillars,” he said.

According to Gatarayiha, Police arrived after one -and-half -hours and managed to contain the fire.

"Going by earlier numbers, we had valued the entire section at around Rwf30 million without putting in the cost of items and other stuff. If you add the cost of insurance, which is around the same amount, it becomes more than Rwf60 million,” he said.

"We are going to make our declaration to the insurer which is Radiant, but the work here will continue as we rehabilitate the premise gradually.”

Police investigate cause of fire

Bambino Super City is owned by an association of women traders represented by a one Sylvie Mukamusoni as managing director.

At the time of the inferno, expansion work was ongoing to make the recreational park more entertaining, according to Gatarayiha.

Police spokesperson Celestin Twahirwa said investigations were ongoing but preliminary reports indicated that the fire was caused by electric short-circuit.

"The fire, according to our preliminary investigations, resulted from electrical short circuit and  what we have asked them is to acquire proper knowledge of prevention measures in case of a fire outbreak, otherwise investigations are going on. We are talking to some people at the same time gathering materials that can be used as evidence,” he said.

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