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Mnangagwa to officially re-open Mbare Market
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to officially re-open Mbare Market in two weeks, following extensive reconstruction after a devastating fire last November. The re-opening ceremony will also mark the start of a national programme aimed at building similar modern and safe markets across Zimbabwe, offering small to medium enterprises and vendors secure, hygienic trading spaces.
This announcement was made by Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, in the Senate on Thursday, responding to questions from senators. Minister Garwe explained that the destruction of Mbare Market, which caused millions of US dollars in damages, prompted the government to initiate a broader national programme focused on market infrastructure development.
"We are not solely focused on Harare; we have formulated a concept note for a nationwide programme, which was presented to Cabinet and approved. Given the extent of the destruction of Mbare Market, it was treated as an emergency and will serve as a pilot project for this initiative," said Minister Garwe.
The first phase of the Mbare Market reconstruction is set to benefit around 1,600 vendors and traders. The newly rebuilt market will feature various amenities for both traders and their customers, including a bank, a police post, management offices, and state-of-the-art ablution facilities. The market will also include bathrooms for traders to wash before selling their goods.
Minister Garwe highlighted that the programme would extend beyond Mbare, with Glen View Area 8, a key site for carpentry activities that was also destroyed by fire, being the next priority. From there, the programme will move to other areas including Sakubva in Mutare, Kwekwe, and rural districts across the country, ensuring that vendors operating on the streets or in unsafe conditions are provided with proper, regulated market facilities.
"The re-opening of Mbare Market will be the first step in our nationwide effort to modernize market spaces and create an environment that aligns with Vision 2030. As His Excellency has stated, we are working to build a nation that meets world-class standards by 2030, and this project is part of that vision," Minister Garwe said.
The new Mbare Market will not only support those who lost goods in the fire, but it will also prioritise women, young people, and individuals living with disabilities, ensuring inclusive opportunities for all members of the community.
Minister Garwe reaffirmed that this project embodies the President's mantra of regularisation and "building back better," as the government seeks to create a safer, more structured trading environment for Zimbabwe's vendors and entrepreneurs. The initiative will contribute significantly to the country's long-term goal of economic development and social inclusion.
This announcement was made by Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, in the Senate on Thursday, responding to questions from senators. Minister Garwe explained that the destruction of Mbare Market, which caused millions of US dollars in damages, prompted the government to initiate a broader national programme focused on market infrastructure development.
"We are not solely focused on Harare; we have formulated a concept note for a nationwide programme, which was presented to Cabinet and approved. Given the extent of the destruction of Mbare Market, it was treated as an emergency and will serve as a pilot project for this initiative," said Minister Garwe.
The first phase of the Mbare Market reconstruction is set to benefit around 1,600 vendors and traders. The newly rebuilt market will feature various amenities for both traders and their customers, including a bank, a police post, management offices, and state-of-the-art ablution facilities. The market will also include bathrooms for traders to wash before selling their goods.
Minister Garwe highlighted that the programme would extend beyond Mbare, with Glen View Area 8, a key site for carpentry activities that was also destroyed by fire, being the next priority. From there, the programme will move to other areas including Sakubva in Mutare, Kwekwe, and rural districts across the country, ensuring that vendors operating on the streets or in unsafe conditions are provided with proper, regulated market facilities.
"The re-opening of Mbare Market will be the first step in our nationwide effort to modernize market spaces and create an environment that aligns with Vision 2030. As His Excellency has stated, we are working to build a nation that meets world-class standards by 2030, and this project is part of that vision," Minister Garwe said.
The new Mbare Market will not only support those who lost goods in the fire, but it will also prioritise women, young people, and individuals living with disabilities, ensuring inclusive opportunities for all members of the community.
Minister Garwe reaffirmed that this project embodies the President's mantra of regularisation and "building back better," as the government seeks to create a safer, more structured trading environment for Zimbabwe's vendors and entrepreneurs. The initiative will contribute significantly to the country's long-term goal of economic development and social inclusion.
Source - the herald
