Harare-According to local authorities , the fire of fury caused an estimate of US$16K to $20K damages last week in Mbare Magaba Market
Denford Ngadziore who is the current Harare City Council’s SME Committee Chair, Councillor revealed that the committee is currently investigating the incident and the board will issue out a full bona fide report.
In recent interview He further stated that; “Compensation for affected traders remains a possibility we’re carefully considering , The committee has scheduled an urgent meeting next week to implement effective measure and to educate the Mbare society on fire safety precautions. These measures include finalising long-pending lease agreements and creating designated zones for flammable goods like paints and thinners, where fire hydrants will be installed.
The City of Harare plans to develop a comprehensive vendor code of conduct. They also plan to ensure that every vendor has a lease agreement with the council and as far as the council know current investigations suggest the blaze was ignited from a carelessly discarded cigarette.
“We’re implementing strict regulations about smoking in the market area to prevent similar incidents,” Ngadziore explained during his assessment visit to the damaged site.
Firefighters successfully contained the flames, preventing further destruction to adjacent market sections.
This incident follows after the Mbare vegetable market was also gutted by fire last year. The vegetable market has since been constructed and renovated, and vendors are now operating again. Mbare Magaba market may be facing the same fate of a new look and overhaul.
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Source iHarare
