The front elevation of the Kiosk lockup shop No. 15-18. Facing the sea side of the Honiara Central Market

HONIARA City Council has put an indefinite close to the four lock-up shops which were damaged by fire last week.

The assessment team of HCC’s Works Division produced an inter-office memorandum of understanding for the indefinite closure of kiosk lockup shops 15 – 18.

The indefinite closure is effective as of April 3 until repair works are complete.

The HCC Office said, “This is because the roof structures has been deformed due to flame’s heat, and is dangerous for further occupation of our tenants, safety of our tenants and public using central market is paramount important to us.”

Investigation from the HCC found that the fire may have started when cooking oil used in one of the kiosks caught flame, which then caught on to a nearby cooking gas cylinder.

The report confirms that no one was injured and only the kiosks sustained heavy damage.

In the mean time, HCC’s Environmental and Health Division are working on exit strategies to prevent future tragedy and to provide safety measures for the public at large.

They will ensure that lock-up shops have better ventilation, a fire extinguisher each, and an appropriate place to keep their gas cylinders.

The Division also looks at plans to provide efficient space for lockup shop occupants to ensure safety measures and friendly environment for all citizens.