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Stories by Veronica Gwaze
SCORES of traders who once operated at the Mbare Traders’ Market, which was ravaged by a catastrophic fire, are still grappling with the devastating loss of their livelihoods.
Many not only lost their stock but also substantial amounts of cash that were kept at their stalls.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Government announced swift action to address the situation and restore normalcy.
Under the proposed plan, the market will be rebuilt in partnership with a leading engineering, construction and development company.
The fire, the cause of which remains largely a mystery, left nearly 5 000 traders devastated.
Agony, frustration and distress enveloped the area as goods worth millions of dollars were reduced to ashes. Last week, countless traders could be seen desperately trying to salvage their businesses in the wake of this terrible tragedy.
Agony
Violet Mataidza, a vendor and chairperson of the Women’s League at the Mbare Traders’ Market, lost an estimated US$6 000 worth of goods in the inferno.
Having operated at the market for over two decades, her business has been providing sustenance for her six children.
“I worked alongside my husband. Today, I came here hoping to find support from well-wishers, so he (husband) had to stay home to save on bus fare.”
While allegations of political rivalry and an electrical fault have been circulating as potential causes of the inferno, market authorities offer a different explanation.
Erasmus Fofo, the chairperson of the affected area, revealed that the fire originated outside the market, where individuals were burning garbage. Market security, he said, noticed the fire but were unable to contain it due to strong winds.
“The fire brigade arrived without water and we helplessly watched our goods turn to ashes,” Fofo recounted.
“We have each contributed US$10 to rebuild the precast wall, repair the toilets and restore tap water, taking proactive steps to resume our operations.”
Fofo also disclosed that traders have been consistently paying US$25 monthly to the local authority as rates.
The affected vendors are now urgently seeking financial assistance from well-wishers to help them restart their businesses.
“Over the years, I had built a stable textiles business. I doubt I will be able to raise enough capital to start over. It took years to establish myself, only for everything to crumble in an instant,” bemoaned an elderly woman who only identified herself as Mai Panashe.
Some traders feel the need for enhanced security and preventive measures in the future.
“We always have people around this place at any given time, so we should not be losing property to such accidents. Everyone needs to be vigilant and ensure we have no uncontrolled fires in the area or unauthorised electrical connections,” urged Tapiwa Kagoro.
“Most importantly, let us avoid overcrowding. Fires spread quickly when there is not enough space between stalls.”
Support
Government is ready to resume re-building of the market together with Glen View Area 8 to ensure a safe working environment for the informal sector.
President Mnangagwa declared the Mbare Traders’ Market inferno a State of Disaster, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06).
“Accordingly, we have approved engagement of a leading engineering, construction and development company to partner the Government in re-building the market under a Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (DEPC+F) model,” revealed Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere in his post-Cabinet media briefing.
“This model will ensure that high-quality facilities are completed and commissioned within the shortest possible time.
“It will also allow traders to resume operations in an orderly environment that facilitates formalisation and payment of taxes.”
As part of the disaster management framework, the affected traders will receive essential livelihood and social assistance to help them cope with the immediate challenges.
Speaking during a tour of the destroyed Mbare Traders’ Market last week, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa acknowledged the need to assist the affected traders.
“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) work under tough conditions to provide for their families and for that reason, we are compelled to assist in the best possible way and ensure that you are back on your feet,” she said.
“We have an inter-ministerial committee, which is in the process of conducting proper assessment so that you get the best assistance possible. We have already laid down some short-, medium- and long -term strategies to have you back on your feet and in a safe working space.”
Noting that most of the SMEs are female-run, she added, we have also resolved to engage the Zimbabwe Women Microfinance Bank to assist these women with loans so that they get back to business.
Safety
Experts believe the number of traders at the market had exceeded the ideal capacity, creating a potential safety hazard.
They also emphasise the need to establish new markets in the area to accommodate the growing number of traders.
In collaboration with the Harare Fire Brigade, the Harare City Council (HCC) will conduct inspections of the market to ensure that the refurbishments adhere to necessary safety standards.
“For the market to legally reopen, it has to be compliant to required safe working standards,” said Stanley Gama, HCC head corporate communications.
“We are ready for the initial inspection so that we establish the amount of damage and what needs to be done.”
Meanwhile, the Government has commenced the redevelopment of the overall Mbare suburb, particularly the flats that house thousands of people.
While the flats remain under the purview of the City of Harare, the refurbishing project is being done under the Government’s urban renewal project.
Online Reporter