President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a significant fire at Mbare Traders Market on October 8, 2024.
The blaze, which took hours to extinguish and whose cause is still under investigation, has had a devastating impact on over 4,000 traders by destroying the entire retail section and parts of the wholesale market.
On October 14, 2024, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works announced that this disaster declaration will help attract resources for the rebuilding of the market and provide support to the affected traders. The statement notes:
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] due to the destructive fire at Mbare Traders Market on October 8, 2024.
This tragic fire has completely destroyed the retail section and partially damaged the wholesale market, impacting over 4,000 traders and their livelihoods.
The declaration is aimed at facilitating the mobilization of critical resources, both in cash and kind, to assist in rebuilding the market and helping affected entrepreneurs revive their businesses.
The government, alongside the private sector and other stakeholders, is committed to working tirelessly to ensure a more resilient rebuilding process.”
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