Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. IT never rains but pours for Glen View Area 8 small and medium enterprises (SME) after their complex was gutted by fire in the early hours of yesterday.
The complex has had fire incidents recorded annually.
The latest fire incident reportedly destroyed goods belonging to nearly 100 enterprises.
More than 4 000 traders are operating from the complex.
Harare City Council SMEs committee chairperson Denford Ngadziore said the affected traders included those manufacturing wardrobes, kitchen units, sofas and other carpentry products.
The estimated loss is approximately US$100 000.
“Tragedy has once again struck the Glen View Area 8 SMEs Complex, as a fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, destroying goods belonging to nearly 100 small to medium enterprise traders,” he said.
“The affected traders include those manufacturing wardrobes, kitchen units, sofas and other carpentry products. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was unintentionally started by security guards on duty, who were warming themselves by a fire that later spread around 5am.”
Ngadziore commended the City of Harare Fire Brigade for a swift and effective response, which helped to contain the fire before it caused extensive destruction.
“As the SMEs committee, we will take a keen interest in the ongoing investigations. It is our strong position that those on duty must be held accountable and prosecuted for the negligence, which resulted in this costly disaster,” he said.
“Looking ahead, the only lasting solution is a comprehensive redevelopment of the Glen View SMEs complex. The committee has resolved to implement this through a public-private partnership, guided by urban planning and fire safety regulations, to replan and modernise the facility.”
Ngadziore said construction of a modern people’s market nearby was expected to commence soon, saying the initiative was aligned with the city’s approved architectural design and would feature over 30 modern kiosks — creating a safe, clean and dignified environment for traders.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said: “We have since dispatched a team which is assessing the situation on the ground and it will report back as soon as possible. My team on the ground will then issue a comprehensive statement,” he said.
Vendors Initiative for Social Economic Transformation director Samuel Wadzanai said the government must prioritise strengthening of social protection systems to cover all workers in informal and formal employment.
“Even though Glen View Area 8 fires have now become a yearly occurrence, there has never been a recorded situation where the government came in to assist the affected, employing them,” he said.
“Government must prioritise the strengthening of social protection systems to cover all workers in formal and informal employment. The right to decent and safe workspaces in this area cannot be downplayed and we urge the government, in particular, to play a leading role in ensuring this issue gets the attention it deserves.
“We are aware of previous efforts made to try and address the issue, but they were allegedly frustrated by certain politically-exposed persons that seemingly do not want sanity to prevail.”
Vendors for Economic Development leader Samora Chisvo said he was hurt that informal traders were incurring losses through fire outbreaks.
“Sadly, informal traders are continuing to incur losses through such fire and whoever is responsible should be arrested and face the consequences,” he said.
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