Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
CHAOS and despair gripped Gweru after a raging inferno tore through the DST market, destroying stalls and goods worth thousands of dollars Wednesday morning.
The fire, which broke out around 11AM, gutted over 50 traders’ stalls, wiping out furniture, clothing, textiles and electrical repair shops in minutes. Beds, sofas, wardrobes, sewing machines, fridges and generators were reduced to ashes as the blaze fed on the market’s wooden structures.
Witnesses say the fire started from an electrical fault before spreading rapidly. “The fire started around 11 and by the time I got there it had already engulfed many shops. All that is left from my stall is a metal rack covered in charcoal,” said devastated furniture maker Mr Farai Nemakonde.
Another trader, Ms Netsai Phiri, said she was left counting her losses. “The fire destroyed everything in its path. My wardrobes, kitchen units, sofas, sewing machines and fridges were all burnt to ashes,” she said.
The Gweru City Council Fire Brigade responded swiftly and managed to contain the blaze before it spread further. Minister of State for Midlands Affairs Owen Ncube, accompanied by Mayor Clr Martin Chivhoko, visited the scene to console affected traders.
“Thanks to the swift response of the fire brigade, the blaze was contained. These fire tenders were sourced using devolution funds and we are grateful they were put to good use,” said Minister Ncube.
Clr Chivhoko said the incident was a big blow to informal traders. “I urge all market operators to comply with municipal by-laws to ensure safety and order,” he said.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, many traders are left stranded — their dreams and hard work turned into piles of smoking rubble.
