Gafoor Fire: Gov’t concerned with job, financial losses

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, 13:29 by

President David Granger and the Government of Guyana have expressed concerned over the financial losses incurred by Sattaur Gafoor after his Houston complex went up in flames on Monday.

Reports indicate that the fire which could be seen from miles away destroyed hundreds of million in goods stored in the facility.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Granger and the Government of Guyana empathised with Sattaur Gafoor, the Gafoor family and members and staff of the company on their recent loss due to fire at the company’s Houston complex.

“The Government of Guyana regrets the tremendous financial loss and is deeply concerned about the hundreds of workers that have been displaced due to this disastrous event,” the statement noted.

Reports in local media have stated that employees from the facility will be transferred to other location, however the other locations will not be able to accommodate all of the 530 staffers.

It was noted that Gafsons Industries Limited is an iconic member of Guyana’s corporate community and extremely important to the economic health of the nation.

Up to late Monday evening fire fighters continued to battle the fire which eventually died after burning for close to 5 hours.

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown but it is understood that the fire started in the middle of the complex.

Some eight firemen sustained injuries as a result of the fire.

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) sources said one of the firemen was admitted for further treatment while the others were treated, granted sick leave and sent away.