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National Anthem yeduHarare City Council has deployed three fire tenders to battle a raging inferno at Magaba Complex in Mbare, one of the largest hubs of informal economic activity in the capital.
In a statement issued early Friday morning, the local authority said the Emergency Help Group had stepped in with additional water tankers to assist firefighters working to contain the blaze“Three fire tenders have been deployed to fight the fire,” the council said in a brief statement posted on its social media platforms.
“To avoid a situation where our fire tenders have to be driven back to the fire station to fetch more water, the Emergency Help Group provided tankers of water.”
Magaba Complex, located in the densely populated suburb of Mbare, is home to hundreds of informal metal fabricators, mechanics, carpenters and traders. Commonly associated with Siyaso and surrounding markets, the area supplies furniture, gates, coffins, vehicle parts and other goods to customers across the countryThe complex has long been vulnerable to fire outbreaks due to the use of flammable materials, welding equipment, electrical connections and the absence of formalised infrastructure such as hydrants and proper fire breaks.
Harare has experienced a series of destructive market fires over the years, with informal trading spaces particularly affected. Previous infernos at Mbare Musika, Glen View Area 8 furniture market and parts of Siyaso have left traders counting heavy losses, often running into thousands of dollars.In many cases, investigations have pointed to electrical faults, unattended stoves, welding sparks and overcrowded structures as possible causes, though some incidents have sparked allegations of arson. The lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure and water shortages in parts of the city have frequently hampered emergency response efforts.
The latest fire at Magaba once again raises concerns about safety standards, urban planning and disaster preparedness in informal trading zones that sustain thousands of livelihoods.
Authorities had not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze or the extent of the damage by the time of publication.
