Glenview Area 8 Fire Declared State Of Disaster

President Mnangagwa Declares Glenview Area 8 Fire A State Of Disaster.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fire that damaged the Glen View Area 8 Complex on Sunday morning a state of disaster.

A state of disaster declaration extends beyond public health concerns and is aimed at addressing emergencies including natural disasters, explosions, acts of terrorism, or sieges.

Approximately 25 percent of the furniture-manufacturing hub was destroyed in the blaze, leaving around 700 traders livelihoods in jeopardy.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established, athough victims suspect that an unattended brazier or an illegal electricity connection may have been responsible.

Speaking at a Press briefing on Monday night, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said, “I am pleased to inform the nation that His Excellency the President has declared this inferno at Glen View Area 8 a state of disaster.

“Once the President has declared a state of disaster, the Department of Civil Protection under the Ministry of Local Government will move in and mobilise resources and assist those that are affected.

“We are now working with the City of Harare, we are working with the Ministry of Women Affairs, we are working with the affected traders so that we have got a comprehensive list of those that are affected so that we come up with a way of assisting them since the President has already declared a state of disaster.”

Minister Garwe added that a contractor is set to begin work in September, with construction expected to be completed between March and April next year.

“His Excellency declared it a state of disaster and directed the respective ministries — Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Women Affairs — that we identify investors who are willing to work with the Government to come in on a BOT basis — Build Operate Transfer — and put up new structures,” said Garwe.

Earlier on Monday, Garwe visited the scene of the fire and estimated that losses from the blaze ranged between US$2 million and US$3 million.

He said the new Glen View complex, including areas that were not affected, will have improved road infrastructure, water reticulation, food courts, and proper fire safety systems.

Garwe also called for the compilation of an accurate list of affected traders to enable targeted assistance through the Department of Civil Protection.