Man up for causing Mbare retail fire

Online Reporter

35 year old Action Chakauya of Mbare has appeared before a Mbare magistrate to answer to charges of negligently causing a fire at Mbare retail.

It is the state’s case that Chakauya, being a security officer, tasked with manning Mbare retail, started a fire to warm himself at one of the entrances close to the precast wall of the retail.

He lost control of the fire that razed down traders’ wares that are estimated to be worth USD$5 Million.

He was remanded in custody pending bail ruling and is expected back in court on 21October 2024.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the fire a disaster on 14 October 2024 and promised to rebuild a better market for traders.

Meanwhile Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, told the media during Tuesday’s post cabinet briefing that government had already engaged a private company to start construction of a modern market.

“Government has to intervene and is promoting private sector participation to complement its efforts. Accordingly, Cabinet approved engagement of a leading engineering, construction and development company to partner Government in re-building the Mbare Traders’ Market, under a Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (DEPC+F) model. This model will ensure that high-quality facilities are completed and commissioned within the shortest possible time. It will also allow traders to resume operations in an orderly environment that facilitates formalisation and payment of taxes. The model can and will be replicated to upgrade other similar markets across the country,” said Muswere

In the meantime government pledged to provide relief to traders until construction is complete.

“Meanwhile, Government will, under the disaster management framework, provide the necessary livelihood and social assistance support to ensure that the affected traders pull through the immediate difficulties they face. Longer-term sustainability and resilience-building mechanisms for traders will also be addressed under the framework,” said Muswere.