Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
The declaration of a State of Emergency of the Mbare Traders Market fire incident will ensure measures are put in place to assist the affected traders and construct modern markets.
The 33rd post-cabinet media briefing saw the government lay out its assistance plan for those affected as well as the building of new facilities.
Last week’s inferno at the Mbare Traders Market affected more than 6, 000 traders whose livelihood was based there.
The move by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare the fire incident a State of Emergency has set the ball rolling in terms of assisting the affected traders.
As revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, skilled personnel are working with government towards the building of a new traders market that will have modern facilities.
“Over 6, 000 traders were affected. The declaration of a State of Emergency will ensure the necessary steps are taken. The government has moved in to intervene. Cabinet approved work to be done in collaboration with an engineer,” he said.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe said work for towards construction will start in the shortest possible time.
“We want to start work as a matter of urgency we hope that in the next 14 days, work will have started. This is an emergency and we will work to address the situation. We hope that by mid-next year, we will have structures in place,” said Honourable Garwe.
Following a disastrous 2023/2024 summer cropping season, the 2024/2025 season is expected to be a better one due to projected good rains.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka also revealed measures the government has put in place to protect the rural communities from opportunists who would want to purchase their herd for a song given the current drought.
“There are many who want to profiteer from the unfortunate drought situation and so we banned the sale of cattle at household level,” he said.
The media briefing also revealed that the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations will be held in Bulawayo and President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to deliver a keynote address.
