DEFIANT MBARE TRADERS TRY TO REBUILD THEIR BUSINESSES

Tafara Chibanda

DAYS after a devastating fire swept through Mbare Retail Market, and destroyed property worth thousands of dollars and left scores of traders counting massive losses, some of the traders are beginning the tough process of trying to rebuild their lives and businesses.

Yesterday, President Mnangagwa, in terms of Section 27 (1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06), declared a State of Disaster in the wake of the fire which destroyed the Mbare Traders Market last week.

In a statement, Local Government Minister July Moyo said the declaration will assist in the mobilisation of necessary resources to support the rebuilding of the market.

“The unfortunate inferno, which razed down the whole retail section and parts of the wholesale market, affected over 4,000 traders whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted,” said Minister Moyo.

“Many lost everything in the blaze but the determination to recover remains strong as they seek support from the community to help them get on their feet.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 27 (1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared a State of Disaster following a fire that destroyed the Mbare Traders Market last week.

In a statement, Local Government Minister July Moyo said the declaration will assist in the mobilisation of necessary resources to support the rebuilding of the market.

“The declaration will thus assist in mobilising necessary resources, in cash and kind, to support rebuilding of the market as well as assist affected entrepreneurs resuscitate their businesses.

“The nation is advised that Government, in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, is working flat out to build back better.”

Yesterday, H-Metro visited the market.

Rudo Katiyo, one of the affected traders, said:

“I lost everything in the fire, I had just restocked, and now it is all gone.

“I am finding it difficult to get money to buy new stock. I am appealing to donors to please help us because we are suffering, and this has taken a toll on our mental well-being.”

Another trader, Forget Mashingaidze, said:

“We are not asking for money, we just need sheds.

“With the rains coming, we cannot continue our business without protection, even a little stock is better when we have a place to keep it dry.”

The Mbare traders have pooled resources, with each trader contributing US$10 to help fix the precast wall.

Prudence Nyikadzino, who lost over US$5,000 in the inferno, said:

“We are pleading for assistance to put up sheds at the market. Many of us have shifted from our tables to use the pillars but we fear being chased away once the owners return.

“I’m now working for commission, selling stock from friends, I cannot just sit at home, I have a family to take care of.”