Zabzugu MP Mobilizes GH¢250,000 Relief Fund for Market Fire Victims as Traders Receive Lifeline Support

Zabzugu, Northern Region — Victims of the recent fire outbreak that ravaged sections of the Zabzugu Market have begun receiving much-needed financial assistance under the Zabzugu Market Disaster Relief Fund, an intervention spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for the Zabzugu Constituency, Hon. Alhassan Umar, to support individuals and groups whose livelihoods were severely affected by the devastating incident.

The disbursement ceremony attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament, the District Chief Executive (DCE), the Presiding Member, a former DCE, the NDC Constituency Chairman, the District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the National Health Insurance Scheme District Manager, traditional authorities, party executives, beneficiary representatives, and members of the wider community.

Addressing the gathering, the NDC Constituency Chairman, Alhaji Alidu Bawah, commended the Member of Parliament for what he described as exemplary leadership, compassion, and responsiveness during one of the most challenging periods faced by traders and business owners in the district.

According to him, the fire destroyed substantial investments, including yam stocks, merchandise, and other valuable goods, leaving many families without their primary sources of income.

He therefore urged beneficiaries to appreciate the support being extended to them and to remain patient and united, emphasizing that the intervention represented a sincere effort to alleviate their hardships and support their recovery process.

Providing an overview of the assessment process, the District Director of NADMO, Mr. Issahaku Osman, explained that officials swiftly undertook extensive evaluations following the incident to identify and document affected traders and business owners. He noted that the scale of destruction revealed the urgent need for immediate assistance and informed the subsequent appeal made to the Member of Parliament to intervene on behalf of the victims.

The District Chief Executive also reflected on the devastating impact of the fire on the market community, describing the incident as a significant setback to local commerce and livelihoods. While acknowledging that no amount of financial assistance could fully compensate victims for their losses, he expressed confidence that the relief package would provide a vital foundation for rebuilding businesses and restoring economic activity within the market.

In his address, Hon. Alhassan Umar disclosed that the establishment of the Zabzugu Market Disaster Relief Fund was inspired by the heartbreaking scenes he witnessed during his visit to assess the aftermath of the fire outbreak.

According to him, the extent of the devastation underscored the need for a coordinated and collective response to support affected traders and their families.

To demonstrate his commitment to the recovery efforts, the Member of Parliament contributed an initial seed capital of GH¢100,000 to establish the fund. He subsequently embarked on an intensive fundraising campaign through his office, engaging corporate institutions and well-meaning individuals to contribute towards the cause.

These efforts yielded significant results, with GCB Bank PLC contributing GH¢100,000, the contractor undertaking the Zabzugu 24-Hour Economy Market Project donating GH¢40,000, and a private individual contributing GH¢10,000. Together with the MP’s initial contribution, the total amount mobilized under the fund reached GH¢250,000.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and maximum impact, the disbursement was carefully structured to prioritize the most severely affected categories of victims. Consequently, a substantial portion of the fund, amounting to GH¢112,500, was allocated to traders—particularly yam traders—who constituted the majority of those affected and suffered extensive losses during the disaster.

Recognizing the importance of restoring critical market infrastructure, support was also extended to shed owners whose structures were destroyed by the blaze. In all, 11 shed owners received assistance totaling GH¢65,000, with individual beneficiaries receiving between GH¢4,000 and GH¢5,000 to facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

The intervention further benefited the Zambarima community and related groups, which collectively received GH¢72,500. The amount was formally presented to the Zambarima Chief on behalf of affected members whose businesses, properties, and livelihoods were adversely impacted by the fire.

The support package was met with profound appreciation from beneficiaries, many of whom described the intervention as both timely and invaluable. They expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament and all contributors to the relief fund for standing with them during a period of immense hardship and uncertainty.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, their chairman thanked Hon. Alhassan Umar and the supporting partners for their solidarity, generosity, and commitment to the welfare of the affected traders. He assured stakeholders that the funds would be utilized responsibly to revive businesses, restore livelihoods, and help beneficiaries regain economic stability.

Beyond the immediate relief efforts, community leaders used the occasion to advocate for improved market infrastructure, enhanced fire safety systems, and intensified public education on fire prevention and emergency preparedness. They stressed that proactive measures would be critical in reducing the likelihood of similar disasters and protecting the investments of traders in the future.

The commencement of the relief fund disbursement marks a significant milestone in the recovery journey of the Zabzugu Market community. More importantly, it symbolizes the power of collective action, solidarity, and responsive leadership in times of crisis. For traders, shed owners, and other affected persons, the intervention offers renewed hope and a practical pathway toward rebuilding their businesses, restoring their livelihoods, and revitalizing economic activity within one of the district’s most important commercial centres.