Harare Correspondent
HARARE – A fierce overnight blaze gutted multiple grocery outlets in Harare’s bustling downtown district on Sunday, leaving small business owners in ruins and desperately appealing for government assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
The fire, suspected to have started at a popcorn vendor’s stall, rapidly spread through adjacent shops before firefighters brought it under control.
When reporters visited the scene, the charred remains of once-vibrant businesses stood as stark evidence of the devastation, with distraught traders struggling to comprehend their losses.
“Where Do We Start?” – Traders Voice Desperation
Emotional shop owners surveyed the damage, with many too overcome to speak. Those who could articulate their anguish made impassioned pleas for support.
“This is a catastrophic loss for us. We urgently need help – the scale of destruction is just too much to bear alone,” one trader explained, fighting back tears.
“The fire has left us completely stranded. Everything we owned is gone – where do we even begin rebuilding?” another devastated business owner added.
Narrow Escapes Amid Widespread Destruction
While some businesses were completely destroyed, others had miraculous near-misses.
“We’re thankful the Fire Brigade arrived when they did – just moments later and we would’ve lost everything too,” recounted a relieved shopkeeper whose business was spared.
“Our basement location protected us this time, but our hearts break for our neighbors who weren’t so fortunate,” another nearby trader remarked.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have yet to determine the fire’s exact cause, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated at a popcorn stall. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed:
“Our forensic team is conducting thorough investigations. We will establish both the cause and whether any negligence was involved.”
Calls for Government Intervention
The disaster has reignited calls for better urban safety measures and disaster relief systems for small businesses. Economic analyst Prosper Chitambara noted:
“This tragedy exposes the vulnerability of our informal sector. These traders aren’t just losing stock – they’re losing their entire means of survival.”
As cleanup operations continue, affected business owners remain hopeful for government intervention to help them restart their enterprises.
For now, the charred storefronts stand as a grim reminder of the precarious existence of Harare’s small traders.
Zim GBC News©2025