City of Harare has attributed the fire that engulfed Golden Quarry dumpsite on Tuesday night to arson from an unidentified vagrant who was protesting against the pulling down of his illegal shack by the city enforcement unit.
The fire outbreak at the Golden Quarry affected a number of suburbs among them Haig Park, Tynwald, Warren Park and Westlea.
In a statement, City Council Spokesperson, Michael Chideme said they have since reported the case to the police and the culprit will be brought to book .
“The fire was allegedly started by a vagrant who was protesting against the pulling down of his illegal shack by the city enforcement unit.
“The vagrant yesterday evening threatened unspecified action after the structure had been pulled down. He has since been reported to the police. Case number OB 3225/17.
“Reaction teams quickly moved in. The situation is now under control.” said Chideme.
According to Chideme, by Wednesday afternoon, City of Harare had mobilised plant equipment and personnel to attend to the fire.
The equipment includes graders, front end loaders, water bowsers, tipper trucks and fire engines.
It is alleged that officers manning the dumpsite received an alert around 2300hrs on Tuesday night that there were nine points with raging fires on the dumpsite.
Meanwhile, Chideme said commendable work has been done at the Pomona Dumpsite to minimise the recurrence of a fire this year after a large fire engulfed the dumpsite last year.
“A fire guard has been cleared and roads are being opened to give access to fire engines in the event of a fire. Proper garbage disposal points (tipping points) have also been cleared,” said Chideme.
