“Tables, documents, cupboards, desks all burned” – Roads Ministry counts losses after fire

A fire that broke out at the Ministry of Roads and Bridges complex in Juba on Wednesday has gutted the offices of the Minister and Executive Secretary, destroying furniture, documents and office equipment.

Director General for Administration and Finance, Yien Bol Mayuak, says the fire started from an air-conditioning unit at the back of the Minister’s office shortly after electricity was restored.

He says staff had just started their normal work when the fire broke out.

“The fire started in the office of the Minister. We tried to enter, but it was difficult. We started using fire extinguishers, and the fire brigade also came and intervened. Everything in the office of the Minister is burned down,” he said.

Yien says staff heard a commotion from the Minister’s office about five minutes after power was restored and rushed to investigate.

He says the fire had already intensified, making it difficult for staff to enter the office.

Staff then evacuated the area and used fire extinguishers while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive.

The Director General says the exact cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical fault involving the air-conditioning unit.

“The tables, documents, cupboards and desks, all were burned. But there was no human harm, and the other offices are okay,” he added.

Yien says the fire completely destroyed the Minister’s office, including furniture, cupboards, desks, documents and other office equipment.

No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The Undersecretary’s office was also affected, but the fire was contained before spreading to other sections of the ministry.

When Eye Radio visited the scene, the two affected offices had sustained extensive fire damage, with office equipment and documents destroyed.

Yien says other offices within the ministry remain unaffected.

The fire has since been brought under control, and no further spread has been reported.