Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
GOODS belonging to 100 small-to-medium enterprise traders worth about US$100 000 were destroyed by the fire that broke out at Glen View Area 8 SMEs Complex on Sunday morning, City of Harare SMEs committee chairperson Councillor Denford Ngadziore, has said.
He said the affected traders include those manufacturing wardrobes, kitchen units, sofas and other carpentry products.
“Tragedy has once again struck Glen View Area 8 SMEs complex. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was unintentionally started by security guards on duty who were warming themselves by the fire that later spread around 5 am,” he said.
Cllr Ngadziore commended the City of Harare’s fire brigade for a swift and effective response, which helped contain the fire before it caused even greater destruction.
He said the SMEs committee is taking a keen interest in ongoing investigations.
“It is our strong position that those on duty must be held accountable and prosecuted for their negligence, which resulted in the costly disaster,” he said.
Cllr Ngadziore said over 4 000 traders operate from Glen View Area 8 complex. He said the City of Harare SMEs committee conducted a site visit recently and engaged the traders’ representative committee to assess the situation and discuss a sustainable way forward.
“It was agreed that traders should resume formal monthly payments to council, a process that has been suspended for the past three to four years.
“Unfortunately, during that time, funds were misappropriated by private individuals, undermining council operations and service delivery.
Cllr Ngadziore said, looking ahead, the only lasting solution is a comprehensive redevelopment of the Glen View SMEs complex.
“The committee has resolved to implement this through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guided by urban planning and fire safety regulations to re-plan and modernise the facility,” he said.
Cllr Ngadziore said construction of a modern People’s Market nearby is expected to start soon.
“This initiative is aligned with the city’s approved architectural designs and will feature 30 modern kiosks, creating a safer, cleaner and more dignified environment for traders.
