Thousands of Dollars Lost in Fire Destruction in Harare CBD
By Bigboy Madzivanzira
A series of recent fires in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) has resulted in significant losses, with thousands of dollars worth of property destroyed. These incidents have raised concerns about fire safety and preparedness in the area.
Recent Fire Incidents
– Bezbets Shop Fire: A fire broke out at a building on Chinhoyi Street and Agostinho Neto Avenue, destroying Bezbets, a betting company, along with several other shops.
– XGX Mall Fire: A devastating fire ripped through XGX Mall, gutting around 20 shops and causing significant losses. The fire was suspected to have originated from an electrical fault.
– Callans Furnitures Building Fire: Callans Furnitures Building was gutted by fire, with the cause yet to be established.
Observations and Concerns
As a journalist, I have observed that before these buildings were partitioned, there were fewer fire accidents. Partitioning can increase fire risks due to factors such as:
– Increased Occupancy: More businesses or activities operating within a single building.
– Electrical Overload: Additional electrical installations and wiring.
– Reduced Escape Routes: Narrow corridors and reduced access to emergency exits.
– Fire Containment: Fires can spread more easily between compartments.
Need for Fire Fighting Training and Equipment Installation
These incidents highlight the importance of fire fighting training and equipment installation. Businesses and building owners should prioritize:
– Fire Fighting Training: Equipping staff with basic fire safety awareness and fire fighting skills.
– Fire Alarm Systems: Installing systems that detect smoke, heat, or other fire indicators.
– Fire Extinguishers: Providing accessible and maintained fire extinguishers.
– Sprinkler Systems: Installing automatic sprinkler systems to detect and suppress fires.
Conclusion
The recent fires in Harare’s CBD serve as a wake-up call for businesses and building owners to prioritize fire safety. By investing in fire fighting training and equipment installation, we can reduce the risk of fire-related disasters and protect lives and property.
About the Author:
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a Health Promotion Practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe, a Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, and a Freelance Journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. He can be contacted on 0773367913 or Email: healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com.
