Mnangagwa declares Mbare inferno a disaster

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the devastating fire that ravaged the Mbare Traders Market a state of disaster, paving the way for urgent assistance and resources to support thousands of traders affected by the destruction.

The declaration, made under Section 27 of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], underscores the gravity of the incident, which has left over 4,695 traders without their primary source of income. This official recognition, published in the Government Gazette yesterday, comes after a destructive fire tore through the market on October 8, leaving thousands of small-scale traders displaced and facing significant financial loss.

In the declaration, President Mnangagwa said: "Following the devastating fire which destroyed Mbare traders market, a state of disaster exists on the lives of more than four thousand, six hundred and ninety-five (4,695) traders who relied on the market as their source of income."

The fire broke out in the early hours of the evening, quickly engulfing the tightly packed stalls at one of Harare's busiest and oldest trading hubs. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as traders scrambled to save their goods while fire crews battled the inferno. Despite their best efforts, the blaze reduced hundreds of stalls to ash, causing extensive damage to the marketplace.

The Mbare market, often referred to as the "heart of Harare's informal economy," was a vital livelihood for thousands. The government has estimated that over 5,000 traders have been directly impacted by the fire, losing their wares and means of sustenance.

The declaration of a state of disaster is a critical legal step in facilitating the mobilisation of resources to aid recovery efforts. Under the Civil Protection Act, the declaration allows for prioritisation of assistance, including financial aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and the provision of alternative trading spaces for displaced traders.

The government has also committed to investigating the cause of the fire and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future, with a focus on enhancing the safety of trading spaces across the country.

The Mbare market has long been a symbol of resilience and enterprise, with traders from all walks of life depending on it for their daily livelihoods. The government's swift action to declare the fire a state of disaster reflects its recognition of the market's importance to Harare's informal sector and the need for immediate support for those affected.

As the recovery process begins, efforts are underway to provide temporary relief and assist in the rebuilding of Mbare Traders Market, ensuring that its role as a key economic hub is restored as quickly as possible.