Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
FIFTEEN cars worth tens of thousands of United States dollars were yesterday reduced to shells after an automobile repair workshop in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb caught fire.
Among the burnt cars were top-of-range BMWs and two newly imported Honda Fit cars. The vehicles which were parked in the yard when the fire broke out, were awaiting either service or repairs.
It is suspected that the fire was started by some children who were burning garbage at a nearby dumpsite.
The incident comes a week after another fire reduced to ashes Mutize Flea Market, popularly known as the “Little Musina” situated along Lobengula Street opposite Egodini bus terminus.
Witnesses said the Mzilikazi fire started in the early hours of yesterday and was discovered late when flames had already engulfed the entire workshop. Some of the affected motorists who rushed to the scene upon receiving news of the tragedy, refused to talk to the news crew.
One of the mechanics, Mr Abrain Sibanda said they had no idea how they were going to replace the burnt cars.
“We are in a dilemma following this unfortunate incident and we have been calling our clients since morning. It’s really a big blow to our business because after what has happened noone would want to leave his or her car with us,” he said.
Mr Sibanda s aid the information they got was that the fire was started by some children who were burning garbage at a nearby dumpsite.
He said what has complicated their misfortune is that they had no insurance cover for such incidents.
Mr Sibanda said the fire was discovered by a security guard who was on duty at the premises.
“Our security guy said when he saw smoke, he thought the fire was at the dumpsite not knowing it had spread to the workshop. It was only when he went around to check that he discovered cars were on fire”, said Mr Sibanda.
He said the security guard called for help and residents whose houses are close to the workshop rushed to the scene and tried to put out the fire before the Fire Brigade was called.
Mr Sibanda said they will soon meet to map the way forward.
Bulawayo’s acting chief fire officer, Mr Linos Phiri attributed most of the fires in the city to sloppiness.
He said they are yet to establish the exact cause of the Mzilikazi fire including quantifying the loss.
Mr Phiri said they have embarked on an awareness campaign around the city to educate residents on what to do to minimise fire outbreaks.
“We started the campaign today and our objective is to try and remind people about the importance of being extra-cautious when it comes to fires,” said Mr Phiri.
Last week, several motorists in Marondera, Mashonaland East province were left counting their losses after their vehicles were destroyed in an inferno at Top Gear Panel Beaters.
Marondera fire brigade could not attend to the fire as its single fire tender was away for service and by the time the Harare Fire Brigade arrived, the cars had been reduced to shells.
Online Reporter