Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri on Saturday failed to facilitate a loan deal between Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDEF) and Limbuli vendors who lost their property during the February 19 fire accident after the vendors insisted they will not relocate to the new market.

Assessment on damages caused by fire that razed down part of old Limbuli market in Mulanje two weeks ago reveals property worthy K74.1 million was damaged by the inferno.

At least 43 shops at the old Limbuli market in Mulanje district have been destroyed by fire in the wee hours of Wednesday.