About 2,000 traders have begun operations following the completion of Mbare Traders Market Development Project Phase 1, reconstructed after the destructive fire incident that gutted the market last year and caused substantial damage to stalls and loss of stock for traders.
Due to the magnitude of the tragedy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster on 14 October 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Protection Act and this enabled government to take direct and responsive measures for the mobilisation of requisite resources for recovery and reconstruction of this market.
While officially opening the Mbare Traders Market Development Project Phase 1 and the commissioning Phase 2 of the project, President Mnangagwa said the destruction of the market significantly impacted the livelihoods of traders and their families while disrupting supply and production chains.
“Mbare Musika plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy as a major hub for our local farmers, traders and consumers, providing access to a diverse range of agricultural produce, clothing, hardware and household goods, among others,” President Mnangagwa said.
“It is commendable that the first phase of the market is now complete. This paves way for 1,628 traders to begin operations and comes as a timely relief for traders who now have decent workspace.
“I gather that phase two of the New Mbare Musika is designed to be a multi-storey complex with improved sanitation, fire safety features and organised trading spaces. The improved business and trading environment, resonates with our national Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This further dovetails with my government’s quest to ‘Build Back Better’ following any climate induced natural disasters or devastating fire incidences such as those experienced at the Glenview Area 8 Furniture Market and here at Mbare Musika,” he added.
Taking lessons and experiences from the successful implementation of Phase I of the Mbare Musika project, the President urged city authorities, partners and investors to replicate the concept towards modernising and expanding our marketplaces across the country’s ten provinces while addressing fire safety and broader disaster management issues.
“All partners to this and future projects, are directed to ensure that levies and rentals to such facilities are pegged at competitive and affordable levels. Work spaces and trading environments must accommodate more entrepreneurs and traders, particularly the youth and women.
