More than 4,000 traders who lost goods worth over US$20 million in the devastating fire at Mbare Musika in October 2024 are frustrated by the government’s failure to deliver on its promise of interest-free loans to help them recover.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/government-leaves-over-4000-mbare-fire-victims-high-and-dry-as-interest-free-loans-promise-fails-to-materialise/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> visited the traders in Mbare, where many have resorted to setting up makeshift stalls and tents to keep their businesses running.
One trader, Oscar Mwedzi, said that he had received no assistance from the government despite the promises made. Said Mwedzi:
<blockquote>
We were expecting the government to support us, but we haven’t received anything yet. I came back with a very small stock because I can’t afford to sit at home. My family needs food.
</blockquote>
Another fire victim, Memory Chiguru, said the government only collected their details days after the fire, then disappeared, leaving them stranded. As a result, they had no choice but to turn to well-wishers for help.. She said:
<blockquote>
Our names were taken down two days after the fire. They asked us about our families, dependents, and the value of the goods that were burnt.
But since then, no support has come our way. As for me personally, I took out a loan from the bank to restart my business. A few relatives helped me.
</blockquote>
Farai Hokonya, Deputy Director of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), told NewZimbabwe.com that government officials are scheduled to tour the new market this week and will provide an update at that time.
In the meantime, traders have raised concerns over the registration and allocation of vending stalls, particularly after a controversial list was released through a state-owned newspaper last month.
The list contained numerous errors, and there are allegations that it is heavily skewed in favour of ZANU PF supporters, many of whom were not affected by the October fire that devastated the market.
Denford Ngadziore, chairperson of the City of Harare’s Small and Medium Enterprise Committee, said that the responsibility to allocate vending spaces at the new Mbare Musika Market lies with the council, not the government.
Ngadziore further explained that while the new market is a joint project between the council and the government, it is the council’s responsibility to allocate spaces.
He stressed that any allocation by others would be illegal, and priority would be given to traders who lost goods in the fire last year.

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Over 4,000 traders lost goods in a fire at Mbare Musika. The government promised interest-free loans to help them but has not delivered. Many traders are struggling to restart their businesses. The government collected their details but did not help. Traders are setting up makeshift stalls to keep going. There are concerns about unfair allocation of vending stalls. The responsibility for allocation lies with the council, not the government. Traders are waiting for an update from government officials on the situation.

Government's Failure To Provide Interest-Free Loans Leaves Mbare Musika Traders In Limbo

Vendors in Harare are urging the city council and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to prevent “space barons” from dominating the allocation of stalls in the Mbare retail market, which is currently being reconstructed following a devastating fire in October 2024.
Since the market was destroyed in a freak accident on October 8, over 4,500 traders have been operating from temporary locations. However, reports indicate that space barons are interfering with the allocation process.
Samuel Wadzai, director of the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200036727/space-barons-swoop-on-new-mbare-musika">NewsDay</a> that while the rebuilding efforts have begun positively, there are growing concerns that space barons may attempt to seize control once again. Said Wadzai:
<blockquote>
As the year begins, we welcome the temporary structure that is being created in Mbare in response to the fire that destroyed stuff and the operating space, but within the same context, we are calling on authorities to ensure that space barons do not take advantage of the reopening of this market.
We want people who were affected to benefit from this temporary market that was constructed.
We need transparency and accountability and informal economy associations should be involved in the allocation of these spaces.
It must be transparent because we’ve already started seeing signs of some space barons in Mbare trying to take advantage of this process and continue to do the dirty work that they’ve been doing over the years.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy secretary-general Wisbon Malaya said:
<blockquote>
Amid the crisis, there is a lot of desperation taking place among the traders at the Mbare Musika market. And we are now hearing rumours that there is now a new image of space barons.
We are requesting the city fathers and all the law enforcement agents to ensure this issue is taken care of.
We request the city fathers and all the law enforcement agents to make sure the law takes its course so that we do not give room to these barons trying to evade Mbare Musika because of the crisis.
</blockquote>
Space barons are individuals or groups who illegally allocate and control trading spaces in markets and urban areas.
These barons exploit traders by charging them fees for the use of these spaces, creating an environment rife with chaos and unfair practices.
They often interfere with the allocation of vending spots, favouring certain individuals or groups and sometimes leveraging political connections to maintain their grip on power.
Reports suggest that the space barons operating in Mbare Musika are affiliated with the ZANU PF party.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Vendors in Mbare Market want to be protected from space barons who control the allocation of stalls. After a fire destroyed the market, vendors are worried that space barons will take advantage of the rebuilding process. They want fair allocation of stalls so that everyone affected can benefit. Space barons charge fees and create chaos in the market. The vendors are asking the city council and police to stop the space barons from dominating the market. They are also calling for transparency and involvement of informal economy associations in the stall allocation process.

Mbare Market Rebuild: Vendors Call For Protection Against Space Barons

The government has said the Mbare Traders Market will be reconstructed to accommodate at least 10,000 traders following a devastating fire that destroyed the structure on the night of October 9, 2024.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, October 29, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the fire directly impacted 4,695 traders.
He said the government has developed a response plan to assist these traders in restocking their businesses, which includes loans, grants, and other stimulus packages. Said Muswere:
<blockquote>
The Government will intervene through a number of initiatives which include the following: provision of immediate relief in the form of livelihood support (safety nets) such as cash transfers, payment of school fees and psychosocial support and child protection; immediate resuscitation of businesses through loans, grants and other stimulus packages to assist traders with restocking of goods; provision of alternative and conducive workspace-the Harare City Council has offered the open space opposite Carter House as an alternative while reconstruction is taking place; economic empowerment programmes that support stakeholders in rebuilding their businesses and promoting economic stability; and upgrading market infrastructure to densification using two or three storey buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters (long term).
An assessment carried out by Government established that a total of 4 695 traders (1 511 stall operators and 3 184 lessees) were directly affected by the disaster, which had a negative bearing on the livelihoods of 23 000 people. A three (3) floor model design is being proposed at the Mbare Musika Traders Market whereby businesses will be classified and accommodated on all the three levels. The reconstructed main market will accommodate at least 10 000 traders.
Work on the reconstruction of the new Mbare Musika Traders Market is expected to take seven (7) months to complete, effective November 2024. The Mbare Musika Traders Market project will serve to pilot the Smart Market concept.
The objective of the Smart Market concept is the enhancement of trading environment through provision of safe and modern facilities.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government will rebuild Mbare Market in Zimbabwe to fit 10,000 traders after a fire destroyed it. The fire affected 4,695 traders, but the government will help them restock with loans and grants. The reconstruction will take seven months and include three floors for businesses. This new market will also pilot the Smart Market concept, aiming for safe and modern facilities. The traders will have alternatives for trading while the reconstruction is ongoing, and the government will support them with economic empowerment programs. In the long term, infrastructure upgrades and emergency response systems will be improved to prevent future disasters.

Reconstructed Mbare Market To Accommodate 10,000 Traders - Government

Action Chakauya, a Harare man accused of starting a fire that destroyed the Mbare Musika Retail Market earlier this month, has been denied bail.
Chakauya (35) appeared before the Mbare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon, facing charges of negligently causing serious damage to property under Section 141 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
It is alleged that on October 8, 2024, Chakauya was manning the premises opposite Mbare Musika Retail Market when he set a fire at one of the main entrances to warm himself.
The fire got out of control and razed the Mbare Musika Retail Market. Police investigations led to Chakauya’s arrest.
The value of the destroyed property is estimated at US$5 million. Chakauya is scheduled to appear in court again on November 5, 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named Chakauya is accused of starting a fire that destroyed a market in Harare. He was denied bail and appeared in court facing charges for causing serious damage to property. Chakauya allegedly started the fire to warm himself, but it got out of control and burned down the market. The destroyed property is worth $5 million. Chakauya will go to court again on November 5, 2024.

Security Guard Accused Of Starting Mbare Musika Fire Denied Bail

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the devastating fire at Mbare Traders Market on 8th October 2024.
The blaze, which took hours to extinguish and whose cause remains unknown, has severely affected over 4,000 traders by destroying the entire retail section and parts of the wholesale market.
In a statement issued on 14th October 2024, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works announced that this disaster declaration will aid in mobilising resources to rebuild the market and support the affected traders. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
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 10:06], declared A State of Disaster following a destructive fire at the Mbare Traders Market on 8th October 2024.
The unfortunate inferno, which razed down the whole retail section and parts of the wholesale market, affected over 4 000 traders whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted.
The declaration will thus assist in mobilising necessary resources, in cash and kind, to support rebuilding of the market as well as assist 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.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa said a big fire at Mbare Traders Market is a disaster. The fire hurt over 4,000 people by breaking the whole retail part and some of the wholesale part. The government will help rebuild the market and help the traders. They will get money and other things they need. The government and other groups are working together to make things better.

Mnangagwa Declares State Of Disaster After Mbare Market Fire

George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), has suggested that the recent fire at Mbare Musika presents an opportunity to reorganise Zimbabwe’s largest informal market.
The fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, destroyed numerous stalls and goods, leaving hundreds of traders devastated.
The scene was a haunting mix of broken pottery, partly burnt bags of sugar beans, remains of kapenta fish, and fragments of solar panels.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and as of yesterday, authorities were still investigating how the inferno started.
<a href="https://x.com/Jamwanda2/status/1844283775716397113">Posting on X</a> (formerly Twitter) this Thursday, Charamba proposed that Mbare Musika should be reorganised to ensure that traders are properly housed.
He suggested implementing point-of-sale (POS) systems linked to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at each selling booth to integrate Mbare Musika into the national tax system, ensuring that informal traders contribute to the country’s revenue.
Charamba also called for the introduction of proper lighting throughout the market to improve safety and security, as well as to create new opportunities for tax collection by extending trading hours and attracting more customers.
According to Charamba, reorganising Mbare Musika for better access will significantly benefit its vast clientele.
He added that authorities could consider enlisting the military to assist in building new condominiums around the market, pending the demolition of Matapi flats, to pave the way for a new, decent housing programme.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A big fire destroyed Mbare Musika market in Zimbabwe. Many traders lost their stalls and goods. The cause of the fire is still unknown. George Charamba thinks this is a chance to make the market better. He suggests using technology to link traders to the tax system. Charamba also wants better lighting and security. He thinks reorganizing the market will help many people. Maybe the military can help build new homes for traders. This could lead to a new and improved market for everyone.

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