VASCO: Traders who lost their shops and merchandise in the devastating fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market have appealed to the Goa government for immediate financial assistance and rehabilitation, saying the incident has left their businesses in ruins just ahead of Diwali.
The blaze destroyed goods worth crores of rupees, wiping out investments made by shopkeepers who had stocked their shops in anticipation of strong festive-season sales. The losses have left many traders worried about their livelihoods and the future of their families.
Describing the incident as a disaster of massive proportions, the affected shopkeepers said years of hard work, savings and business investments had been reduced to ashes in a single night.
The traders said financial compensation alone may not be enough to help them recover and called on the government to announce a comprehensive relief package, along with rehabilitation measures and a clear plan to help them restart their businesses.
They urged the authorities to conduct an urgent assessment of the losses and provide timely financial assistance to those affected. The shopkeepers also stressed the need for long-term support to help small businesses recover from the devastating setback.
With the crucial Diwali trading season disrupted, the affected traders are now awaiting concrete action from the government to rebuild their businesses and restore their sources of income
