Switzerland pledges $200,000 to renovate Bulawayo's Bhaktas market

Switzerland has pledged a US$200,000 donation towards the development of Bhakta's Market in Bulawayo, offering a significant boost to the city's drive to formalise and modernise trading spaces for informal vendors.

The announcement was made by Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart during the full council meeting held on Wednesday. The funding forms part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring order in the city centre and enhancing facilities for informal traders, many of whom were recently relocated from Fifth Avenue.

Bhakta's Market, situated at the corner of Lobengula Street and Second Avenue, has emerged as the city's latest trading hub following the relocation of vendors due to overcrowding and safety concerns in the previous trading areas. The new site is expected to foster a more organised and secure environment for both traders and customers.

"The Town Clerk and I have met with the Swiss Ambassador, and the Swiss have now pledged a US$200,000 contribution to the development of Bhakta's Market," said Mayor Coltart. "We are now working with the finance department and relevant council committees to make that market a reality. It is another positive development in the last month."

The funds are earmarked for key infrastructure improvements, including the construction of permanent, secure trading stalls, improved sanitation facilities, and essential public services. These upgrades aim to enhance the working conditions for informal traders and provide a cleaner, safer shopping environment for residents.

The move reflects the city's ongoing efforts to integrate informal commerce into formal economic planning while maintaining order in Bulawayo's bustling central business district. The development of Bhakta's Market is expected to serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at improving urban trading infrastructure.