Slow recovery and uncertainty after fire at Merca Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo. – More than a week after the voracious fire that reduced one of the main sales warehouses in Merca Santo Domingo to ashes, the affected merchants are still facing the challenge of adapting to the millionaire losses and a recovery process that is progressing slowly.

“This is devastating, but we must move forward. We are waiting for them to join us. I had a loss of more than 35 million pesos”, said Fausto García, who has been a merchant in the place for 11 years.

García assured that several versions are circulating about the origin of the accident, and one of the most discussed points to a possible electrical failure. “Some people say it was electricity, but we don't have anything concrete that says 'it was this,'” he pointed out. Although it has been announced that the structure will be demolished, the rubble still remains on the site, as a palpable reminder of the tragedy that left dozens of families without their main source of income.

“It's difficult. This affects anyone. All those losses… one feels exposed,” expressed Nelsida Guzmán, a market worker.

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The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The cameras of Último Minuto entered the charred facilities and captured a desolate scene, shopping carts completely incinerated, twisted shelves, merchandise reduced to ashes, and a persistent smell of burnt oil. The vendors were temporarily relocated to other areas of the market, but the process has been complicated. Many claim that their customers still don't know where to find them, which has directly impacted sales. In addition, the monthly rent for each premises is around 35,000 pesos, an economic burden difficult to sustain amid so much uncertainty. Those affected have also questioned the response of the emergency services and denounce that the firefighters would have arrived up to two hours after the fire started. Meanwhile, operations at the Merca continue, but for those who lost everything, rebuilding not only their businesses but also their livelihoods is a task that is just beginning.