Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government said on Thursday it will construct 5 000 table stands at the Mbare Market after a fire broke out last week and destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of traders.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared the fire incident a state of disaster. The 1 655 victims that lost their businesses due to the fire will be among beneficiaries of the 5 000 table stands.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and her Local Government and Public Works counterpart Daniel Garwe addressed residents of Mbare and victims of the disaster on Thursday.
They assured them that the government is working to restore the businesses and services that took place and also taking the opportunity to expand the market, where a large percentage of the nation’s food supplies and various goods come from.
“As I oversee SMEs, I would like to extend my commiseration to the families affected by this tragedy. SMEs are hard workers and it is crucial to note that their hard work does not go unnoticed. A technical team has already been made and it has already started doing its job to restore the market and even make it bigger and stronger than it was. As a Ministry, we are working with other Ministries to empower SMEs and help them with what they need.” said Mutsvangwa.
The government will provide food hampers and loans while the market is under restoration, which will benefit people affected by the disaster.
Complains were raised that some people were taking over table stands from owners who have failed to raise capital after the incident, with officials warning such individuals to formally apply once the market has been revitalized.
Speaking at the occasion, Garwe said the government treats disasters with urgency as evidenced by the move to assist the vuictims of the fire incident to return to business.
He warned the youths to stay away from drug and substance abuse as he suspects the fire was a result of illicit drugs being lit around the area.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume expressed gratitude to the government for declaring the fire incident a state of disaster saying it will assist in mobilising resources to assist those that were affected.
New Ziana
