Perpetua Murungweni
Vendors from Chitima, who lost their goods to fire last week, have received help from different stakeholders including help from the aspiring Member of Parliament for Masvingo urban Wellington Mahwende.
Mahwende gave US $1000 to the fire victims from Chitima Fruit and Veg and said it should aid on the help that they are receiving so that they get back on track.
“I have come here to help and I am sure this money will aid on what you are already getting from different stakeholders to start. This is the first step but I will negotiate with Masvingo City Council as the deputy mayor. We want to get rid of plastics roofs and make sure that all vendors will get iron sheets shades so that we avoid similar incidents,” said Mahwende.
Chitima Fruit and Veg committee Chairperson Martin Shaka said they were happy with the donation from Mahwende and other stakeholders.
“I am very happy today with what Mr Mahwende has done for us, it was not easy for our fellow vendors after the fire but now it’s better, we have managed to continue our business as usual,” said Shaka.
He went on to say Wisrod Investments, a microfinance company that offers financial services to informal traders, donated US$100 to their clients who are part of the victims as well as freezing their loans, and gave them another loan each so that they can start over.
“I would also want to thank Wisrod for what they have done to us, they gave US $100 to each victim who is their client. They froze all the loans that the victims had and offered them new loans so that they can kick start their business,” said Shaka
Shaka also thanked fellow Chitima vendors from the clothing and grocery side who managed also to contribute towards the victims.
“I would also want to thank our fellow vendors from the flea market who raised US $600 for the victims and that will go a long way in making sure that they get back on their feet,” he said.
One of the victims Wanisai Pamire could not hide her joy and thanked, Wisrod, Mahwende and all those who donated to them.
“I am grateful to what Wisrod, Mahwende and other stakeholders did for us, it was difficult for us to reestablish our businesses but with the help that we received it has become easy,”.
Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise, Vendors 4ED, Masvingo Small and Medium and Enterprises (SMEs), Masvingo City Council and Tsungai Complex vendors’ representatives who were present at the handover promised to raise something to donate to the victims.
