Relief for Magaba Traders as Cash Injection Aids Post-Fire Recovery
Thirteen traders at Magaba have received financial assistance to rebuild their businesses after a fire broke out late Saturday night.
The Mukuvisi Manufacturing Co-operative Union (Appex) has provided US$200 to each affected trader to aid in their recovery efforts.
Commenting on the fire, the union’s vice-chairman, Cde Christopher Makopa, stated that the incident occurred on May 17 at approximately 11 pm, destroying 13 shops on their 230-square-metre cooperative property.
“The estimated value of the products lost is around US$15,000,” he said.
Investigations suggest that a leaking five-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas tank may have been the cause.
To improve emergency preparedness, the cooperative has installed a water pump on the premises.
Makopa expressed gratitude for the swift response to the disaster. “We are thankful to our chairman, Cde Simeon Nikisi, for immediately arriving at the scene and to the Fire Brigade for quickly extinguishing the flames,” he stated.
He further noted that the union is working towards better safety measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The Herald previously reported on the fire, highlighting the challenges faced by local traders and the urgent need for strengthened safety measures in business spaces.
The publication noted how small business owners often struggle to recover from disasters without external support.
The Mukuvisi Manufacturing Co-operative Union has signed a 20-year Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Harare under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) system.
“We have already built seven blocks under the BOT framework.
“Once the city council completes its review of our approved plan, construction of a two-storey mall will begin”, Makopa confirmed.
Ward 4 Councillor Boniface Kundai Maburutse urged traders to consider protecting their investments.
“It is crucial that businesses take up insurance. A disaster like this can wipe out livelihoods overnight, but insurance provides financial security”, he said.
He emphasized that proper coverage would help businesses recover faster in unforeseen circumstances.
