Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
SCORES of traders at DST Home Industry in Gweru are facing significant financial losses following a devastating fire that swept through the premises, reducing property worth thousands of dollars to ashes. Although the authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, eyewitness accounts suggest a suspected electrical fault may have triggered the inferno.
Mr Moses Mupakurirwa, one of the traders at the market, said the fire broke out while he was working on a headboard.
“I was at my station when I heard a spark from the shade where the fire started. It looked like a short circuit, and what followed was terrifying. The foam rubbers burned like paraffin, and the asbestos caught fire quickly. We tried to extinguish the flames, but the power of the fire was overwhelming. Eventually, the fire brigade managed to put it out. It has disrupted our work here.
We’re now waiting for the losses to be quantified before we can begin again,” he said.
Mr Trymore Nyashanu said the inferno had destroyed his entire source of livelihood.
“The incident is still fresh in my mind. It’s very difficult to accept that we’ve been left with nothing. I tried to salvage some of my wares, but the fire was just too intense.
“I had a contract with a local school to make 20 desks — only one survived the fire. It’s hard to comprehend, but it is what it is,” he said.
Mr Nyashanu added that the confusion caused by the fire delayed their response.
“I believe the fire brigade was called by workers at N Richards, because we were left dumbfounded. Even now, we’re still in shock. We’re appealing to well-wishers to intervene.”
Another trader expressed his despair.
“It’s heartbreaking to realise that we had managed to establish a place to survive. We were hopeful about growing our small businesses, but now everything is gone. We are poorer today because of this inferno.”
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, urged the Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) sector to become more organised and obtain the necessary licences to ensure support during crises.
“It’s a pity we have such a situation affecting people who are trying to earn an honest living.
“They’ve suffered real losses, and it’s deeply disturbing. We stand with them during this critical time,” he said.
Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, commended the Government for the Devolution Funding, which enabled the local authority to acquire a fire tender.
“We are very grateful to the Central Government for providing fire tenders, which were crucial in extinguishing the blaze during this unfortunate incident.
“Traders should ensure they obtain the necessary licences so they can access support quickly. You’ll find that most of those who lost their wares are not registered, which makes it difficult for them to receive compensation,” he said.
The Gweru inferno comes barely a month after a fire gutted the Glen View Area Eight Home Industry in Harare, destroying property and reigniting debate on the need for traders to insure their goods.
