KEY POINTS
- The Mbare Musika vendor verification process is nearly complete.
- Government has pledged fairness in the allocation of trading spaces.
- Traders are excited to restart their businesses in the upgraded market.
The Zimbabwean government is finalizing the beneficiary verification process for traders at the newly constructed temporary Mbare Musika market, ensuring that those most affected by last year’s devastating fire get the opportunity to rebuild their businesses.
Phase one of the project is almost complete, and the first batch of vendors will soon be able to occupy their designated spaces.
The Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, toured the facility and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain.
According to ZBC News, Muswere emphasized that the transformation of value chains begins with agriculture, which is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy.
He noted that the land reform program has empowered millions of Zimbabweans, and securing land ownership continues to drive economic empowerment.
“All the products from our farms eventually reach markets like Mbare Musika, making it a critical hub for Zimbabwe’s economic growth,” Muswere said. “This project is part of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society.”
Government ensures fair market allocation
The government has pledged transparency in allocating trading spaces at the market, warning against fraudulent schemes.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, stressed the importance of honesty and cooperation in the distribution process.
“For an orderly allocation of space, we need collaboration and transparency,” Mutsvangwa said. “Selfishness and corruption will only hinder progress. This project is about restoring businesses and improving livelihoods.”
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honorable Daniel Garwe, echoed similar sentiments, warning traders against paying unauthorized fees for space. Furthermore, he reassured them that the government, alongside Masimba Holdings, will ensure a fair and secure allocation process.
“We are implementing the project now, and development is unstoppable under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Garwe said.
Excitement builds as vendors prepare to move In
Many traders, whose businesses were destroyed in the fire, expressed relief and gratitude for the government’s intervention.
“We are excited about the modernization of our market,” one trader said. “We hope the government supports all affected vendors, so we can all restart our businesses together.”
Another vendor added, “The new market is up to standard, and the sheds will protect us from harsh weather conditions.”
Also, the Mbare Musika reconstruction follows an October 2024 fire that devastated the marketplace.
The government is implementing a phased rebuilding approach, ensuring that the temporary market serves traders while plans for a modernized, permanent market take shape.
