Accountability is important if errors need to be checked
THT-A huge fire that started at 8 pm Friday night in the heart of the Waheen market has been contained by the concerted efforts of the fire-fighting brigades at 10 am the next day on Saturday.
The fire, which was unprecedented in the nation, shocked the Somaliland community and the fire brigade, with the flames blaze reaching an area of four square kilometers in a matter of hours was out of control for the best part of the whole night. Containing the fire was participated to the various national forces, and the public, especially the privately owned water tankers.
The fire that broke out in the Central Market in Hargeisa caused extensive damages to public property, and its incalculable losses will take time to evaluate.
By and large the issue that has been precarious and may have exacerbated the situation definitely can be attributed to the congestion and the occupying of the public roads. This irresponsibility was quite markedly seen when it impeded total access to the main blazing points thus allowing the fires and its fury to go out of control. The anomaly was a collective demeanour exhibited hence can expressly be attributed to several fronts namely the Waheen market traders, power supply companies, Hargeisa municipality, the central government and the community at large since all vividly saw the potential of sitting on a time bomb that would have exploded at any time. Unfortunately, it has at last.
What is needed is an accountability, and an independent commission of inquiry into such issues. At least the president has already formed one to address the issue. Reason the fire to spread all over Waheen market is one, the pros and cons of containing the fire is another. But most important is our future capability of addressing such tragedies, both by forestalling or containing them. It is important to work together and support each other, but accountability is indispensable if mistakes are to be avoided.