MBABANE – Operations at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade were yesterday disrupted after a fire suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault damaged property estimated at E15 million.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning, destroyed a server, furniture, files and part of the roof on the second floor of the ministerial building.
Services relating to trading licences, liquor licences and company registration were temporarily suspended following the incident.
According to information gathered at the scene, the fire was discovered at around 4am, prompting an emergency response from the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES).
Assistant Public Relations Officer at ENFRES Bheki Vilakati said preliminary investigations suggested that the blaze started from a server before spreading to other sections of the building.
Vilakati explained that the server stored digital information used within the ministry.
“Our preliminary assessment indicates that the fire started from the server and spread to parts of the roof, which sustained extensive damage,” he said.
He added that while investigations were ongoing, an electrical fault was strongly suspected to have caused the fire.
Vilakati further said firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread to other offices within the building.
“Our team remained at the scene to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished,” he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Melusi Masuku also attended the scene and expressed shock at the incident.
Masuku said the fire had mainly affected the second floor, where the server, files and office furniture were destroyed.
He said other offices escaped major destruction, although some property sustained water damage during firefighting operations.
“There is little I can say at this stage beyond confirming the extent of the damage caused,” said Masuku.
He stated that ministry employees would await further communication regarding the resumption of duties.
Masuku noted that the incident occurred only hours before the ministry was scheduled to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
In a statement released shortly after the incident, Masuku requested members of the public to temporarily refrain from visiting the ministry for services related to trading licences, liquor licences and company registration until further notice.
He said the ministry was awaiting a full assessment report from fire experts before announcing alternative service arrangements and the resumption of operations.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this period,” said Masuku.
Meanwhile, National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango also visited the scene shortly after the fire was reported.
Masango received briefings from police officers and fire personnel before instructing investigators from different police departments to assist with investigations into the cause of the fire.
“I have little to say at this stage because investigations are still ongoing. The fire experts are better placed to comment on the matter,” said Masango.
