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Mbare Musika model to go national
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The government has announced plans to replicate the modern Mbare Musika Traders Market model across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces as part of a nationwide initiative to provide safer and more dignified vending spaces for informal traders.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the transformation of Mbare Musika is a flagship project under a broader strategy aimed at uplifting informal trading conditions and enhancing disaster preparedness in trading zones.
"Mbare Musika Traders Market is just the beginning of a massive reconstruction exercise of traders markets across the 10 provinces in an endeavour to leave no place and no one behind," said Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, in the ministry's latest call to action report.
The revamped Mbare Musika Market, which is currently undergoing phase two of construction, will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including emergency services such as fire hydrants to prevent future fire disasters. The project also includes the installation of inclusive and accessible ablution facilities and hand-washing stations designed to cater to all users, including persons with disabilities.
The redevelopment comes after a devastating fire gutted the old Mbare Musika last year, leaving thousands of vendors and small-scale traders in despair and without a source of income. The government has since partnered with Masimba Holdings under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement to fund and deliver the new infrastructure.
Officials say the goal is to modernize informal trading environments and integrate essential health and safety features to reduce risks and improve the quality of life for informal traders. Once complete, the Mbare model is expected to serve as a benchmark for other provincial markets to follow.
The move has been welcomed by some urban development advocates who argue that formalizing informal trade through proper infrastructure will boost economic inclusion and public health, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
The government says it will continue to prioritize inclusive development and economic empowerment through the upgrading of informal market spaces nationwide.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the transformation of Mbare Musika is a flagship project under a broader strategy aimed at uplifting informal trading conditions and enhancing disaster preparedness in trading zones.
"Mbare Musika Traders Market is just the beginning of a massive reconstruction exercise of traders markets across the 10 provinces in an endeavour to leave no place and no one behind," said Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, in the ministry's latest call to action report.
The revamped Mbare Musika Market, which is currently undergoing phase two of construction, will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including emergency services such as fire hydrants to prevent future fire disasters. The project also includes the installation of inclusive and accessible ablution facilities and hand-washing stations designed to cater to all users, including persons with disabilities.
Officials say the goal is to modernize informal trading environments and integrate essential health and safety features to reduce risks and improve the quality of life for informal traders. Once complete, the Mbare model is expected to serve as a benchmark for other provincial markets to follow.
The move has been welcomed by some urban development advocates who argue that formalizing informal trade through proper infrastructure will boost economic inclusion and public health, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
The government says it will continue to prioritize inclusive development and economic empowerment through the upgrading of informal market spaces nationwide.
Source - newsday
