Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata, Zimpapers Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has ordered the urgent reconstruction of the Glen View Area 8 complex following a fire that tore through the furniture-manufacturing hub on Sunday morning, leaving traders devastated and counting losses running into thousands of dollars.
The directive comes as Government is already undertaking the rebuilding of the Mbare Traders’ Market Phase Two, which was destroyed by fire last year.
The two projects will now run concurrently under a national programme to modernise informal trading spaces.
Recently, President Mnangagwa commissioned Mbare Traders’ Market, which sets the benchmark for a modern small to medium trading environment.
The new state-of-the-art facility is purposefully designed and includes basic amenities like ablution facilities, parking bays and water provision, among others.
Yesterday, speaking after touring the scene of the Glen View blaze, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the recurring fire outbreaks have paved the way for immediate intervention through the Department of Civil Protection.
“Over US$2 million to US$3 million was lost. All their products were also lost. The President declared the Mbare Market inferno a national disaster when it was gutted by fire last year and then said can you also look at Glen View Area 8, because year in, year out, it is gutted by fire.”
Government is now fast-tracking redevelopment plans, with work expected to start in September 2025 at the same time that Phase 2 of the Mbare Market reconstruction begins.
Minister Garwe said they hope to commission the completed Glen View complex, including the unaffected areas, by the first quarter of 2026.
He said the new Glen View design would include road infrastructure, water reticulation, food courts and proper fire safety systems.
Engineers and planners will conduct a proper layout to ensure a modern and resilient market space.
“We are not going to have just one large roof covering the whole area. We want a proper system with structures, safety and dignity,” said Minister Garwe.
The Minister also called for the compilation of a genuine list of affected traders to allow targeted support under the Department of Civil Protection.
“We know there are those who may want to sneak their names in. Let us be responsible and prepare a true list of those who lost their businesses,” he said.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Monica Mutsvangwa, who also visited the site, said small businesses were important to Zimbabwe’s economy.
She said the country has 5.6 million registered SMEs contributing more than 60 percent of the national GDP, now estimated at US$48 billion.
“These SMEs work tirelessly to put food on the table and create employment,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
“What has happened here requires Government support and a multi-sectoral approach. We are also engaging the private sector. Imagine if our insurance companies had stepped in earlier — recovery would be easier.”
She said Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa will not leave anyone or any place behind in the development agenda.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume also pledged the city’s commitment to constructing safer, modern infrastructure for informal traders.
He said the current working conditions exposed traders to unnecessary risks.
“There is no substitute for cleaner, safer, and better facilities,” Clr Mafume said.
“We cannot have people gambling with their livelihoods. There must be quality control and a good working environment.”
Minister Garwe also hinted at the possible causes of the fire, saying while investigations were still ongoing, it could have resulted from drug and substance abuse, electrical faults or heating devices.
“Whatever the cause, be it substance abuse, careless behaviour, or mbaura, we are yet to find out. But we must raise responsible young citizens who stay away from drugs and grow into responsible adults,” he said.
The Glen View Area 8 complex has long served as a critical economic zone for furniture manufacturers and informal traders in Harare.
With Government’s intervention, it is set for a long-overdue transformation aimed at resilience, order and long-term sustainability.
