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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

A devastating fire engulfed Splash Paints and Plastics factory in Workington industries, Harare yesterday afternoon destroying goods and equipment worth millions of dollars.

The fire reportedly started around 2 pm after what is suspected to be an electrical fault of a newly installed paint making machine which sparked and resulted in a fire exploding in the factory.

When The Herald visited the scene, there were six fire brigade vehicles with fire fighters battling to put out the fire.

Some of the vehicles ran out of water and had to refill their horse reels.

They were later on supported by bulk water suppliers who provided water to the fire vehicles as the fire became intense.

The fire fighters were later on joined by soldiers who also helped in putting out the fire.

Scores of people from the nearby Rugare suburb came to watch the fire.

The police were at the scene recording statements from workers and witnesses while some of the employees were removing furniture from the building.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were still to get a full report but the officers were at the scene.

“We are still waiting for a full report but the case has been attended to,” he said.

Splash Paints and Plastics executives declined to comment, but insiders told this publication that the fire was caused by a suspected electrical fault.

“The fire started in the afternoon. It was caused by a spark on a machine which resulted in an explosion that caused the fire. As you know, paint making uses a lot of flammable liquids which are dangerous,” said one source.

Residents from Rugare said they were shocked to see a cloud of black smoke coming from the building.

“We were shocked to see smoke coming out from the building and when we rushed to the scene, the workers were removing furniture and other valuables from the burning building,” said Mrs Lucia Bere.

The factory was commissioned in April 2018 by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on behalf of President Mnangagwa.

Splash Paints and Plastics had invested $US3. 5 million in line with the country’s economic revival strategy.