Video: Massive fire in Awassa, Ethiopia

By Ethiomeida,

Several fires broke out Sunday night in an emerging, traditional-like market place in the tourist-hub city of Hawassa, 270km south of Addis Ababa.

The raging fires killed at least seven street children, and largely destroyed the area called 'Addis Gebeya,' whose English equivalent is "New Market."

Awassa fire fighters couldn't put out the wind-swept flames alone, and were joined by their colleagues from Shashemene, 25 km away from the lake-side city. At dawn, several bulldozers cleared the area of ashes and debris.

Observers said fire fighters, known for their sluggish efforts, were this time on alert, making sure the blames do not go beyond the targetted 'Addisu Gebeya' and wipe out residential quarters.

The public believes the fires are the work of the ruling party TPLF/EPRDF, which, under the cover of "modernizing urban towns" is dubiously known for destroying private businesses or emerging markets by setting them on fires.

"When bulldozers appear in the morning and clear the area of ashes and debris, it is evident it was the work of the government," one observer said.

TPLF, which in reality practices Marxist-like economics, has a voracious appetite to own the entire economy by way of decimating private businesses - even if they are budding.

Even as recent as in January, a privately-owned and historic Taitu Hotel was burned down, with the public squarely pointing its accusatory finger at the ruling party or government.

State-employed fire fighters spent one hour haggling over how much the owner of the hotel should pay them to spare his property. By the time the firefighters agreed , much of the historic site was gone.

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