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Ivan Zhakata and Trust Freddy
A DEVASTATING fire engulfed the home industry area in Harare’s Glen View 8 suburb for the third time this year, destroying the furniture being made at the centre as well as the buildings.
The fire started on Wednesday night and property such as sofas, wardrobes, kitchen units, tables and beds among others was destroyed.
Yesterday morning people were busy removing property from the burning complex while scores of residents from the neighbourhood were watching while taking photos and videos.
Three fire fighting tenders were assigned to the blaze by Harare Fire Brigade, with the service station at the complex secured.
The fire was so severe that the fire tenders would run out of water and had to refill their tank.
Police were at the scene recording statements from business operators and local residents.
Mr Paul Mutamburirwa, a caretaker at the home industry complex, said he suspected that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
“I was moving around inspecting the complex then I saw a flame coming from inside the home industry,” he said.
“The area where the fire started has electrical cables which are used to operate machines so I suspect that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
“I then rushed to tell a security guard at the service station who then informed the manager who then called the fire brigade and the police.
“This is the third time it has happened this year and the 12th time it has happened since 2012. Every year fire guts this complex and it is of concern to the local residents as well the people who operate at the complex.”
An operator at the centre, Mr Clever Makatare, said he could not believe his eyes when he saw the fire engulfing his goods at his place of operation.
“I have lost many goods due to these fire outbreaks. The first time I lost goods worth over US$23 000 which consisted of 23 sets of sofas and today I have lost 7 sets of sofas, 12 wardrobes and 8 kitchen units valued at US$17 500.
“We are appealing to the Government to help us with funding to resuscitate our business so that we can sustain our families, we do not have anywhere to start from. We also want them to assist and build proper structures to avoid further fire outbreaks,” he said.
Mr Makatare also appealed to Government to drill boreholes at the home industries so that they can have a constant supply of water which can also be used in cases of emergency.
Another victim, Mr Timothy Mazorodze, could not hold his tears when he narrated how he struggled to establish his business in the home industry.
“I started my business here two years ago and I was affected by the fire that burnt this place last year. This year, when I thought I was having a breakthrough and my business was booming then a broke out destroying all the household property that I had made for sale,” he said.
Ms Judith Matope said she received a phone call from her workmates informing her about the sad news.
“I had five sets of sofas worth US$2 000 and a sewing machine. I am a single parent and my child is studying at Midlands State University. I am just looking for anyone who can assist me with money so that my child can finish her studies. I am stranded,” she said.
Mrs Fortune Mugoni said she was among the few women who have been running businesses in the complex.
“Everything has been reduced to ashes and I don’t even know how the fire started. I am appealing to the relevant authorities to assist us with money so that we can start our business again.
“We are living from hand-to-mouth, our life has become so difficult. This was my main source of income.”
Ms Antonette Hamamaoko said most at the centre used petrol and diesel generators which might have caused the fire.
“We use highly flammable things and it becomes so difficult to control the fire. I am already pitching another tent whilst waiting for assistance. I did not recover anything. Luckily, I had put aside school fees for my child but unfortunately I have to use it as a start because we will all suffer.”
Online Reporter