Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
The government has expressed its sadness over the devastating fire that engulfed Mbare Traders market, saying it is engaging internal departments and other agencies to develop a response plan to the catastrophe.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa said the devastation would affect not only the traders but also the entire value chain, including suppliers.
“The Ministry is deeply saddened by the devastating fire that engulfed Mbare Traders’ Market on the night of 8 October, 2024. Preliminary assessments have indicated that the fire caused extensive damage to the market, destroying the entire retail section and parts of the wholesale market.
“This has had a profound impact on the lives of approximately 4 695 traders occupying over 1565 tables who depend on this market for their primary source of income,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said the tragedy has negatively impacted not only the traders but also the suppliers and other players in the value chains that support the market.
“In this regard the Ministry is engaging with other Government Departments and Agencies as well as Development Partners to come up with a comprehensive response plan.
“The nation will be kept abreast of the measures that will be undertaken to ameliorate the negative impact of the disaster,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
@nyeve14
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter