Mbare Musika fire declared a state of disaster

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

In the wake of a devastating fire that ravaged the Mbare Traders Market on October 8, 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the site a state of disaster, paving the way for government intervention to assist affected traders and rebuild the market.

The declaration, issued under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], allows for the mobilization of resources, including financial aid and materials, to restore the market. The fire, whose cause is yet to be determined, left thousands of traders without a source of income as their goods and stalls were destroyed in the blaze.

In a statement from the President, the government expressed its commitment to supporting the traders. "President Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act, declared a State of Disaster following a destructive fire at the Mbare Traders Market on 8th October 2024," read the statement.

The government’s intervention will provide much-needed relief for over 4,000 traders who operate in the market. The assistance package will involve a joint effort between the government and the private sector, aimed at ensuring swift rebuilding and recovery efforts for one of Harare’s largest trading hubs.

The Mbare Traders Market plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s informal economy, serving as a center for the sale of a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and household items. Its destruction has dealt a heavy blow to both traders and consumers who rely on it daily.

Authorities are yet to establish the cause of the fire, which broke out in the early hours of October 8, but investigations are ongoing.

The government’s response is expected to include not only immediate relief but also longer-term measures to rebuild and possibly improve the infrastructure of the market. The collaboration with the private sector is seen as essential in accelerating the recovery process and ensuring that traders can resume their operations.