President Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster Following Mbare Fire

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster following the Mbare Traders Market fire last week.

On 8 October 2024, a massive fire broke out at Mbare Traders Market in Harare, one of the largest informal trade hubs in the country. The fire started on Tuesday night and continued throughout the night, causing widespread destruction.

President Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster Following Mbare Fire

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, confirmed the development:

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:6), declared a State of Disaster following the destructive fire at the Mbare Traders Market on the 8th of October 2024.

“The unfortunate inferno, which razed down the whole retail section and parts of the wholesale market, affected over 4000 traders whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted.“

Minister Garwe highlighted that the Government is now gathering resources to assist the affected traders following the ruinous Mbare fire:

“The declaration will thus assist in mobilising necessary resources, in cash and kind, to support the rebuilding of the market as well as assisting affected entrepreneurs resuscitate their businesses. The nation is advised that Government, in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, is working flat out to build back better.“

The Raging Inferno

President Mnangagwa Mbare Fire — *President Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster Following Mbare Fire [Image: ZBC]*

The Mbare fire destroyed numerous market stalls and merchandise, leaving many vendors without livelihoods. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started around 9 PM. Eyewitnesses have suggested it might have been caused by cigarette smokers.

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City of Harare’s fire department, with the help of a local emergency assistance group, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were also involved in dispersing crowds and preventing looting.

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