Harare Correspondent
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared a State of Disaster following a devastating fire that engulfed the Mbare Traders Market on October 8, 2024.
The fire, which took hours to extinguish, has left over 4,000 traders severely affected, as it destroyed the entire retail section and parts of the wholesale market.
In a statement released on October 14, 2024, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works announced that the disaster declaration aims to mobilize resources for rebuilding the market and supporting the affected traders. The statement reads,
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared a State of Disaster following a destructive fire at the Mbare Traders Market on 8th October 2024.”
The statement further elaborated on the impact of the fire, noting,
“The unfortunate inferno, which razed down the whole retail section and parts of the wholesale market, affected over 4,000 traders whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted.”
The declaration is expected to facilitate the mobilization of necessary resources, both in cash and kind, to support the rebuilding efforts and assist affected entrepreneurs in resuscitating their businesses. The government emphasized,
“The nation is advised that Government in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, is working flat out to build back better.”
Zim GBC News©2024