ED visits Matapi fire victims
Munyaradzi Chamalimba DEAFENING cheers erupted as residents welcomed President Mnangagwa at Matapi Flats in Mbare, Harare, where he visited families affected by fire which engulfed a block of flats, destroying property worth thousands of dollars.
Matapi Block 5 was gutted down by fire, which according to eyewitnesses, started in the early hours of Tuesday.
The fire was allegedly triggered by a candle left unattended by an old woman.
The woman had gone out to fetch water.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Mbare legislator Cde Tendai Savanu, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Miriam Chikukwa and other high-ranking Government officials.
President Mnangagwa pledged to assist the victims recover from their loss.
He said they will soon have better homes.
“Do not despair, we are here for you,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We have to start afresh. We are going to build a new home for you.”
President Mnangagwa said he thought it wise to visit the victims to share his grief over the incident and see how the Government could assist them.
“It is prudent for me to come here to see for myself what befell you. We cannot have our people live in such a disgraceful and deplorable condition. After the elections you will see the abundant work I will do for you.”
One of the victims commended President Mnangagwa for his compassion.
“I am grateful that our President took time to come here and assessed the situation here,” said the man, a father of four.
“The President has proved that he is a listening President, he listens to people and walks the talk. I am really happy with our President ED.”
He added: “The President has promised to give us better accommodation. He is not a man of empty promises. He delivers on his promises.”
Another resident, Ms Ephania Pfende, praised President Mnangagwa — describing him as a man of the people.
“This has never happened during former president Mugabe’s administration,” she said. “President Mnangagwa today came face to face with our deplorable conditions. Today the President walked on foot in our area which is looked down upon by people.”
Ms Pfende said she is going to give President Mnangagwa her vote.
Chipo Jiri (38), who was born and bred at Matapi Flats, said she lost all her property in the inferno.
“I thank President Mnangagwa today for coming to see us and pledging his support and commitment to improve our living conditions,” she said.
She expressed hope that her life will change for the better under President Mnangagwa’s administration given his commitment to improve their living conditions.
Cde Savanhu donated clothes, blankets and food to the fire victims.
He also arranged for temporary accommodation while looking for apartments for the victims.