42 days after fire
Duhok’s Chale Market vendors awaits restoration, compensation
DUHOK — More than a month after a devastating fire at Chele Market in Duhok, the site remains largely untouched with no repairs or renovations initiated. Shop owners are increasingly frustrated by the delay in compensation and the impact on their businesses.
Hassan Zewki, a shop owner in the market, told 964media that they are still waiting for compensation and there is no indication of when it will happen. “Some buildings could collapse, and we can do nothing but wait for the government’s decision. We need the compensation to start rebuilding our shops,” he said.
The market, which houses more than 200 shops selling mainly women’s Kurdish dresses, children’s clothing and other items, includes several residential buildings that were evacuated.
Khalil Ahmed, another affected shopkeeper, added that there is no way for them to make repairs or refurbish their shops until they receive government support. As time passes, “the damages and losses only accumulate. We hope for a prompt resolution.”
Officials report that the compensation process is underway. Bewar Abdulaziz, a spokesperson for Duhok’s civil defense, assured that all preparations for the compensation of shop owners have been completed and submitted to the relevant authorities. “Compensation should be processed soon,” based on the extent of damage to each shop.
Hassan Khurshid, head of the compensation committee, confirmed that the assessment and paperwork are complete. The compensation process for shop owners will commence soon, according to him.
There is a widespread expectation that the Kurdistan Regional Government will compensate victims of such incidents or natural disasters in the absence of a developed insurance industry.
Additionally, an expert engineering team will visit the market to determine any structures at risk of collapse that need to be demolished, ensuring safety and compensating the owners appropriately.
The fire on April 1, 2024, caused significant damage to Chele Market, affecting 137 shops.
The blaze, which started around 3 a.m., prompted the hospitalization of 21 people for smoke inhalation. It took firefighters and helicopter crews more than three and a half hours to get the fire under control.
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