Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster following a destructive fire that ravaged Mbare Traders Market on October 8, 2024, leaving over 4 000 traders severely affected.

The declaration was made in accordance with Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], a legal provision that allows for the mobilization of emergency resources to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works issued a statement today confirming the declaration, which aims to accelerate assistance for those impacted by the devastating inferno.

The fire destroyed the entire retail section and a significant portion of the wholesale market, a key hub for informal traders in Harare.

The traders, many of whom depend on the market for their livelihood, have been left with nothing as their stalls and goods were reduced to ashes.

In the statement, the Ministry emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the severe economic impact on the traders and their families.

 "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 will thus assist in mobilizing necessary resources, in cash and kind, to support the rebuilding of the market as well as assist affected entrepreneurs to resuscitate their businesses," read the statement.

Government’s declaration of a state of disaster will enable the rapid mobilization of both financial and material resources to rebuild the market.

The Ministry also assured the public that efforts are already underway to restore Mbare Musika and help traders recover.

"The nation is advised that Government, in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, is working flat out to build back better," the Ministry said.

Mbare Musika, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and busiest markets, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of October 8, with initial reports suggesting that an electrical fault could have been the cause of the blaze.

The fire spread rapidly, consuming stalls and merchandise, and leaving traders scrambling to salvage whatever they could.

Government, through the Civil Protection Unit and local authorities, has since moved to assess the damage and determine the immediate needs of the affected traders.

Non-governmental organizations and private companies are expected to partner with the government in the recovery efforts.

For the thousands of traders whose lives were upended by the inferno, the path to recovery may be long, but with the combined efforts of the Government and the community, there is optimism that Mbare Musika will soon return to its status as a vital economic hub for the nation.

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