Resham Bazaar traders fear fire tragedy

HYDERABAD: The horrific fire in Lahore’s Shah Alam Market has alarmed traders in Hyderabad’s Resham Bazaar.

The fire started after a short circuit in Lahore and with bunches of wires hanging all around Resham Bazaar, traders worry their market might be next.

Traders Body General Secretary Muhammad Tariq Shaikh said that Wapda does not care for people’s lives or property. “Resham Bazaar spreads out over a span of three kilometres, with 1,500 shops, 500 cabins and stalls,” he said, adding that, “Customers are frightened when they see the open wires and it’s bad for business.”

“These wires can fall on anybody, anytime,” said shopper Begum Khalida.

Hesco spokesperson Muhammad Sadiq accepted that there was a problem, but said it would take time to fix.

The installation of ABC conductors will solve the problem, but shopkeepers worry because the narrow crowded market makes it inaccessible for fire brigades, in case of an emergency.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2011.