The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
GOODS worth millions of dollars were reduced to ashes after a complex in Rusape Central Business District caught fire in the early hours of this morning.
The complex, which is owned by Rusape Town Council (RTC), houses several businesses that include motor spare shops, hair salons, bookshops, dentist, boutiques, tailors and cloak rooms for flea market operators.
The cause of the fire could not immediately be ascertained but witnesses said the fire started from the building that houses a salon and photocopying and printing shop.
Swift reaction by the RTC fire fighters saved the entire complex from being razed down.
RTC human capital and administration officer Mr Togarepi Nerwande said they are still investigating the cause of the fire and the value of property destroyed.
“There was a fire incident at Old Education Offices early this morning. The council building houses various businesses and three apartments were burnt down.
“Our fire department managed to control the fire and put it out. The cause of the fire and value of the property lost is still to be ascertained,” said Mr Nerwande.
Mr Lucas Maunga who was running a typing and photocopying shop under the building said he lost everything he had.
“All my machines that include computers, laptops, photocopying machines and stationery were burnt in the fire. I have lost everything I had. This was my only source of income and it will be difficult for me to recover from this loss,” said a distraught Mr Maunga.