Fire has gutted some shops at Chiwempala market in Chingola, reducing property worth thousands of kwacha to ashes.
Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Pathias Siandenge has confirmed the incident, saying the fire started around 23:00 hours on Tuesday and is alleged to have originated from a restaurant before spreading to makeshift shops.
He says despite efforts by the fire brigade and Zambia police to put off the fire, the market was completely burnt, including the council ablution block and a 15,000-litre CDF water tank, while the newly built market structure was not affected.
Mr. Siandenge says no casualties have been recorded and that an inquiry has been opened to establish the exact cause of the fire.
By Lovemore Sondashi
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