CONSTRUCTION of proper infrastructure at the Glenview Area 8 SMEs Complex in Harare is expected to begin in September, following assurances from the government that preparatory processes are already underway.

This follows a devastating fire that swept through the complex on Sunday, reducing trading stalls to charred remains and leaving hundreds of livelihoods in limbo.

The usually bustling complex now bears the scars of the inferno, burnt timber, twisted metal, and the acrid smell of smoke hanging in the air. Yet amidst the destruction, the sound of hammers and drills signals the determination of traders to start anew.

“We watched helplessly as years of work went up in flames, so I have decided to quickly rebuild for the sake of my family. This is my only source of livelihood,” one trader said.

“All my belongings were reduced to ashes. I thought it better to return while preparations are being made rather than wait at home,” another trader added.

In response to the tragedy, a high-powered ministerial delegation led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, visited the scene to assess the damage and chart a way forward.

He confirmed that, following a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, construction plans for the complex initially scheduled for 2025 will now be fast-tracked to begin in September.

“After the October 2024 fire that destroyed Mbare Musika, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed us to also prioritise the Glenview Area 8 SMEs Complex. Initially, plans were in place to begin construction of proper infrastructure next year. However, in light of the recent fire, we have decided to fast-track the process and commence in September. This is part of the government’s commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in our national development agenda. But for us to succeed, we must work together as a united nation,” Honourable Garwe said.

Senator Mutsvangwa echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government’s support for small businesses and calling for national solidarity with affected traders.

“We are not going back. As a government, we acknowledge the role our SMEs are playing in the country’s Gross Domestic Product. We are calling on the nation to stand with and support the affected traders. We have come here with Honourable Garwe we all know he is a trouble-shooter, just look at what happened in Mbare. You need support, and that’s exactly why we are here today,” she said.

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, pledged full cooperation with the central government, adding that three temporary trading centres would be made available to accommodate displaced traders during reconstruction.

“We are going to unite with the government to come up with beautiful structures. We appreciate the support from President Mnangagwa’s administration. We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs to address such challenges,” he said.

The visit by top officials and their promises of a modernised facility have revived hope among traders who now look forward to a safer, more dignified trading environment.

“We want to thank the government for the visit as well as for its commitment to put infrastructure here. This will go a long way in saving us from all the challenges we are facing here,” one vendor said.

“I sell food here, but in this situation, who would buy? So the idea of constructing proper infrastructure is most welcome,” a food vendor said.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched investigations into the cause of the blaze.