Mbare Musika, one of Zimbabwe’s largest markets, showed signs of recovery yesterday as traders resumed business, just days after a devastating fire ravaged parts of the market. While operations returned, traders worked from temporary stalls marked by pillars, with construction of a pre-cast wall underway to rebuild the affected areas. However, stock levels remained low, and many traders were struggling to regain momentum.

In interviews with the local traders, there was a sense of resilience, with many expressing relief over the reopening of the market. Despite the difficult circumstances, they welcomed the government’s initiative of offering non-collateral loans to help them recover. This loan scheme aims to support informal traders who rely on daily earnings and do not have access to conventional financing. Yet, the traders emphasized the urgent need for immediate assistance from the business community and charitable individuals.

“We survive hand-to-mouth, so we need immediate assistance from well-wishers to replenish our stocks and get back on our feet,” said Tinashe, a vendor at the market. He, like many others, has been operating at reduced capacity due to the fire, which destroyed much of their merchandise.

Ms. Eunice Machingarufu, a trader from Chitungwiza, pointed out that many of her fellow traders were still stuck at home, unsure of how to restart their businesses after losing everything in the fire. “Some of us have come back, but there are still others who don’t have the means to return to the market. They’re waiting for help,” she said.

While the rebuilding process at Mbare Musika continues, the traders remain hopeful that further support from well-wishers and the business community will enable them to fully recover and restore the market to its former bustling state. For now, the resilience of those who have managed to return reflects the determination of the Mbare Musika community to rebuild and move forward.