Fire at Dantokpa market : The Beninese government at the bedside of the victims

Alimatou Shadiya ASSOUMAN Ministers of Industry and Trade (MIC) and Véronique TOGNIFODE MEWANOU from Social Affairs and Microfinance (MASMF) went down this Tuesday 06 avril 2021 at Cotonou Dantokpa market. The objective is to go and see firsthand, according to the recommendations of the Head of State, damage caused by the fire that occurred on Sunday 04 avril 2021. An opportunity for the two authorities to bring the compassion and support of the Government of Benin to the victims.

A tour of the scene of the disaster revealed piles of rubble, rubbish, charred products and several shops gutted over a large area assessed by market officials in 2.000 m². Shocked by the extent of the damage, Minister ASSOUMAN expressed his desolation, and praised the Lord since there was no loss of human life. "It is with desolation that we came to the scene. We express to you the compassion of the government which is following this situation with great sadness ”, she said before adding that "Until light is shed on the conditions of occurrence of this disaster, we will go together to see how we can support you. I remind you that the Head of State is following this situation very closely, hence our presence on the scene ". "We know that Dantokpa is an economic lung of our nation and that is why whatever happens is a concern for the Head of State", adds Véronique TOGNIFODE MEWANOU of Social Affairs and Microfinance while specifying that financial health is important. "We will see in relation to the action plan how the facilities can be given to relaunch certain activities".

The working session held in the meeting room of the Autonomous Markets Management Company (SOGEMA) allowed some women to express their dismay, and assess the damage suffered. In the presence of the General Manager of SOGEMA, Armand GANSE and his collaborators, and most of the fire victims, the two ministers reassured them that President Patrice TALON and his Government will never abandon them. As well, did they invite them to patience and hope. Time for an investigation to understand the origin of the fire, and to make a reliable assessment of the damage in order to set up a support plan.

Damien TOLOMISSI