BUSINESS REPORTER
The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe Limited (Cottco) says 1.2m kg of cotton lint with an estimated value of US$2.5m has been destroyed by fire at its toll ginning sites in Chipinge.
The fire broke out Monday morning and was detected by a truck driver near the ginnery who immediately alerted the guards and management
In a statement, Cottco managing director Pious Manamike said the fire-fighting operation was hampered by strong winds that were being experienced in the area at that time.
“Preliminary assessment indicate that the Company has lost about 1 221 000 kg of cotton lint that was ready for export with an estimated value of US$2 500 000. A forklift was also lost in the inferno,” Manamike said.
“The fire is still raging on as fire fighters continue with their efforts to completely extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations are underway.”
He said fire tenders from Green Fuels and Hippo Valley were called in to assist extinguish the fire.
