Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. HARARE, Feb. 13 (NewsDay Live) – A massive fire tore through KuMagaba in Mbare early Friday morning, destroying businesses and livelihoods.
The blaze, which broke out around 0055hrs, consumed the SME hub, leaving over 50 business owners reeling.
By the time the City of Harare Fire Brigade arrived, the fire had already caused extensive damage. Furniture, gas bottles, metal objects, and other stock were reduced to ashes.
“This was our only source of income,” said Onisimo Nyazvigo, voice trembling. “We’ve lost everything. How will we recover?”
Washington, another owner, added: “I had just restocked my furniture shop. Now it’s all gone. I don’t know how I’ll start again.” Others who asked not to be named shared similar stories of loss and uncertainty.
Some owners were luckier. “The firefighters pushed the fire away from my shop,” one said. “I lost some stock, but the main structure is still standing. I’m grateful for that.”
Affected business owners are appealing for help to rebuild. “We need assistance from well-wishers, the government—anyone who can help,” Onisimo said. “We can’t do this on our own.”
Calls for stronger fire safety measures are growing. “We need fire extinguishers in our shops and training on how to use them,” Washington said. Others urged regular inspections and better urban planning to prevent fires from spreading quickly.
The fire’s impact on Mbare’s local economy is expected to be severe, with many SMEs struggling to recover. While the City of Harare Fire Brigade’s efforts have been acknowledged, the road to recovery will be long and challenging.
For now, the focus is on supporting those affected and assessing the full extent of the damage.
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