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THE City of Harare is working on relocating carpenters from Glen View Area 8 Complex to Glen View 1 Home Industry after a fire razed property worth thousands of dollars on Sunday.
The latest fire comes barely a month after another devastating inferno, at the same place, caused by an electrical fault.
Harare City Council SMEs Committee chairperson, Councillor Denford Ngadziore, said there was a need for the industry to be redesigned to prevent future fire outbreaks.
“We are planning to temporarily relocate carpenters from Glen View Area 8 Complex to Glen View 1 Home Industry so that the city can re-plan and redesign the complex to prevent or minimise future fire outbreaks.
“Traders and the fire brigade have been facing a challenge in putting out fires here because they work with thinners, saw dust, paints, cotton wool and other highly inflammable material,” he said.
Cllr Ngadziore called on stakeholders to comply with Council bylaws to minimise fire outbreaks.
“This week we will hold a stakeholders’ meeting to find a permanent solution to the perennial fire outbreaks at the complex.
“Part of the plan is to put fire hydrants and road access for the fire brigade to access the inside of the complex.”
One of the complex operators, Enias Ngirazi, said he was shocked when he heard that the home industry was on fire.
“When I thought I was recovering from last year’s disaster, after this home industry caught fire, then another fire destroyed my business.
“I now do not know what to do because I have lost everything,” he said.
“I have lost everything. This is the fourth time I have lost my stuff due to these fires.
“We are pleading with the Government to help us because this business is our only source of income.
“Our families depend on this business for survival,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter