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Tina Musonza Herald Correspondent
The cost of property destroyed when fire swept through S. Nyahokwe Mall in the city centre last week has been put at US$30 000, according to the owners of the mall who are also working to bring back all traders within two weeks.
The fire destroyed wares belonging to some of the traders while others were more fortunate as the flames did not spread to their areas.
Dozens of traders have had to move out temporarily so the mall is renovated but work is being done quickly so the first group can return within a week and the rest within two weeks.
S. Nyahokwe Mall administrator Ms Spiwe Zvinavashe said the mall would fully reopen in the next two weeks after renovations, although some parts would open earlier, and expressed sadness at the losses the tenants suffered.
“S. Nyahokwe Jewellery’s directors and staff are very sorry for the loss of property due to the fire accident that occurred at the Mall. We thank God for preservation of life and are grateful we do not have injuries from the incident. We are now working on putting the place back into shape for our tenants to continue sales in this festive season.
We are cleaning the second floor and repainting then we do electrical maintenance, and that should be completed in seven days,” said Ms Zvinavashe
“First floor maintenance is going to be done in stages. Firstly, the less damaged shops then lastly the totally damaged shops. We hope to finish these in 14 days. Thank you for your continued support,” she said.
Despite incurring losses, traders said they were eagerly waiting for the completion of the repairs as they intended to re-occupy their spaces to continue business.
“Almost my entire stock of clothes and shoes was destroyed. We will have to restart from scratch,” said one trader who declined to be named.
A director with one of the trading companies, Nia’s Closet, said they were awaiting the reopening of the mall to resume trading during the normally busy festive season.
Online Reporter