Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
The ferocious fire that swept through the Magaba area in Mbare late Friday night left a trail of destruction and despair among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) traders who lost equipment and stock worth thousands of dollars.
Yesterday, traders began the reconstruction of their workstations.
The emotional toll was palpable, with many visibly shaken by the loss of their livelihoods.
“I lost everything in the fire last night,” said a distraught trader, Mr Chenjerai Mhuriro.
“I had just restocked and now I am at a complete loss. I do not know how I will survive. This was my only source of livelihood.”
Another trader, Mr Lovemore January, fighting back tears, echoed a similar sentiment.
“It is heartbreaking. The fire came just after I had bought new stock. Watching it all burn was devastating.”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, another trader said: “I am shattered. All my hopes are gone. This is where I earned money to feed and take care of my children.”
The inferno erupted under unclear circumstances but consumed essential tools such as grinders, fridges, drills, and plumbing materials — items central to the daily trade of the area’s many craftsmen and vendors.
Mr Christopher Makopa, chairperson of the Mukuvisi Manufacturing Traders Association, estimated the loss at approximately US$15 000.
“It is sad that traders were affected by the inferno which destroyed their property,” he stated. I was called by security informing me of the incident, and I want to thank the fire brigade for their swift reaction because we could have lost a lot more.
“According to our preliminary investigations, the property damaged is approximately US$15 000.”
Zanu PF Ward 4 Councillor Boniface Maburutse said he was saddened by the devastating fire that tore through the Magaba area of Mbare.
“My heartfelt sympathies go out to all the affected families and business owners who have suffered immense losses. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the urgent need to improve safety measures and infrastructure in our informal trading spaces.
“I urge all stakeholders, including Government departments and private partners, to come together swiftly to support the affected and to implement lasting solutions.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure those impacted receive the necessary assistance and to prevent such disasters in the future,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said investigations are ongoing.
“We are currently working together with the Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire incident which destroyed the property in Mbare,” he said.
This latest tragedy is a painful reminder of previous fire outbreaks in Mbare, notably the devastating fire that ravaged the Mbare Musika vegetable market last year.
That incident resulted in significant losses for vendors and ultimately led to a Government-led reconstruction project aimed at revitalising the market.
The new temporary market, with top facilities, was commissioned by President Mnangagwa recently.
Over the years, Mbare has witnessed a series of fire outbreaks, often attributed to inadequate safety protocols and aging infrastructure.
The community has called for better fire safety measures, which are being factored in at the new market under construction.
As the dust settles for the Magaba traders, rebuilding is now the only game in town — one that is naturally painful given the financial demands involved.
