Nebbi authorities reject plans to rebuild makeshift structures after devastating fire

Nebbi Municipal authorities have rejected plans by traders to rebuild makeshift structures after a devastating fire destroyed millions of shillings' worth of property at Garamba produce stores.

The fire victims had sought permission to reconstruct the makeshift but were turned down due to the council's new development plan.

"We can't allow makeshifts in town. The plot owners must construct permanent structures to accommodate renters," said Mr Geoffrey Ngiriker, Nebbi Municipal mayor.

Ngiriker explained that the council doesn't collect revenue from makeshift owners due to legal bindings. Instead, the owners must build permanent structures.

The municipal engineer, Eng Joseph Olore, had warned against illegal structures, calling them "time bombs." However, traders had ignored the warnings due to the low cost of building makeshifts.

One of the plot owners, John Opoka, said he had planned to construct a permanent structure but was delayed by documentation issues with the council.

"I visited the office of the Municipal Council with the intention of seeking permission to reconstruct the makeshifts, but I was told that the municipality is bound by the policy not to have makeshifts in town," Opoka said.

Another trader, Dorren Acen, said she was unable to restart her business due to the council's refusal to allow makeshifts.

"We're financially broke and can't afford to build permanent structures," Acen said. "The makeshifts were less costly and allowed us to operate our businesses."

Since Monday, after the devastating fire incident, many traders whose properties were destroyed have been seen on the streets, moving in groups, looking for alternative places to resettle their businesses.