adminAbel Zhakata Senior Reporter
MANICA Boards and Doors — the only vibrant timber-related venture in Mutare — lost raw materials worth close to $200 000 after a fire broke at its Nyakamete factory.
The company’s managing director, Mr Kurai Matsheza, said a total of 6 000 cubic metres of timber were lost in the raging flames that took several hours to extinguish.“We experienced an unfortunate incident last Saturday night when fire broke and burnt timber. We only stopped production during the period when we were putting out the fire, but we are now on track.” Mr Matsheza said the fire did not damage the factory where there was equipment and finished products.
“We were lucky that the fire did not damage the factory. It was hard to extinguish it because we had no water at the factory as a result of Mutare City Council’s rationing exercise which badly affects our operations.
“If we had water we could have put out the flames easily in no time. When the fire tenders came to the rescue they did not have enough water because they are small, the big ones are grounded. So it took time to extinguish the flames,” he said.
The timber that got destroyed in the flames equals a month’s production.
From the flames, the company only managed to salvage a paltry 181 cubic metres out of the 6 000 cubic metres that were in stock.
“We are insured and are currently in discussions with our insurance partners to cover the damages,” said Mr Matsheza.
The company manufactures wood products including wooden doors and board products.
As of December 14 2012, the company operates as a subsidiary of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Zimbabwe Ltd.
Online Reporter