By Staff Writer
CABINET has tabled plans to reconstruct the new Mbare Musika Traders Market which will house 10 000 people once completed.
This follows the destruction of property and wares running into millions of dollars which were destroyed last month after an inferno which destroyed the traders market.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe updated Cabinet on Mbare Traders Market Reconstruction.
As part of the reorganisation of the Mbare Musika Traders Market following the declaration of a State of Disaster by His Excellency the President on 14 October, 2024 in the aftermath of the Mbare Fire Disaster, Government has put in place a response and recovery plan under the Building Back Better program.
“The Government will intervene through a number of initiatives which include the following: provision of immediate relief in the form of livelihood support (safety nets) such as cash transfers, payment of school fees and psychosocial support and child protection;
“Immediate resuscitation of businesses through loans, grants and other stimulus packages to assist traders with restocking of goods;Pprovision of alternative and conducive workspace-the Harare City Council has offered the open space opposite Carter House as an alternative while reconstruction is taking place,” Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere.
He said this was in line with economic empowerment programs that support stakeholders in rebuilding their businesses and promoting economic stability; and upgrading market infrastructure to densification using two or three storey buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters (long term).
“An assessment carried out by Government established that a total of 4 695 traders (1 511 stall operators and 3 184 lessees) were directly affected by the disaster, which had a negative bearing on the livelihoods of 23 000 people.
“A three (3) floor model design is being proposed at the Mbare Musika Traders Market whereby businesses will be classified and accommodated on all the three levels. The reconstructed main market will accommodate at least 10 000 traders. Work on the reconstruction of the new Mbare Musika Traders Market is expected to take seven (7) months to complete, effective November 2024,” he said.
Muswere added the Mbare Musika Traders Market project will serve to pilot the Smart Market concept. The objective of the Smart Market concept is the enhancement of trading environment through provision of safe and modern facilities.
