Ministers Inspect Glenview Fire Aftermath as Traders Count Losses

Government officials have visited the Glenview Area 8 home industry site in Harare to inspect the extensive damage caused by a recent fire that left hundreds of informal traders devastated.

The fire, which broke out early Sunday morning, tore through the bustling complex, destroying goods and infrastructure valued at an estimated US$100,000. Over 600 small-scale traders are believed to have lost their merchandise and workspaces in the blaze.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa led the inspection, engaging with affected traders and assessing the destruction firsthand.

Councillor Denford Ngadziore, who chairs the City of Harare’s SMEs Committee, attributed the fire to negligence—citing reports that security personnel had lit a fire near flammable materials while trying to keep warm.

The Area 8 complex is home to over 4,000 informal business operators and plays a crucial role in supporting livelihoods within Harare’s informal sector.

The latest disaster adds to a string of similar incidents at the site, with major fires previously recorded, including one in 2023.

As displaced vendors search through the remains of their stalls, government officials have yet to unveil any formal relief or recovery plans to assist those affected.