President Mnangagwa declares Mbare market fire state of disaster
By Dumisani Ndlovu
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fire that destroyed the Mbare Traders’ Market a state of disaster, paving the way for government intervention.
The devastating blaze, which occurred on October 8, 2024, left over 4,000 traders reeling after their livelihoods were severely impacted.
According to Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, President Mnangagwa’s declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act. The declaration enables the government to mobilize necessary resources to support rebuilding efforts and assist affected entrepreneurs.
“The unfortunate inferno razed down the whole retail section and parts of the wholesale market,” Garwe said.
The declaration will assist in mobilizing necessary resources, in cash and kind, to support rebuilding of the market as well as assist affected entrepreneurs resuscitate their businesses.
Garwe confirmed that the government, in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, is working tirelessly to rebuild the market.
“The nation is advised that we are working flat out to build back better,” he added.
The fire destroyed wares worth millions of dollars, leaving many traders facing bankruptcy. Much of the market was razed to the ground in the inferno.
