Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday opened the first phase of a refurbished Mbare Musika vegetable market months it was torched by fire by unknown assailants.
Mnangagwa who was accompanied by senior government officials and vegetable traders said his government is impressed by the new market stalls.
“It is now my honour and privilege to
declare the Mbare Traders Market Development Project Phase 1, officially opened and the construction of the Phase 2, commissioned,” Mnangagwa said.
“As you are aware, the unfortunate destructive fire
incident that gutted the Mbare Traders Market on 8
October 2024, caused substantial damage to stalls and loss of stock for traders here. Due to the magnitude of the tragedy, I declared a State of Disaster on 14 October 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Protection Act.”
Mnangagwa said over 1600 traders will be accommodated in the first phase of the Mbare Musika.
“Mbare Musika plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s
economy as a major hub for our local farmers, traders and consumers, providing access to a diverse range of agricultural produce, clothing, hardware and household goods, among others. The destruction of the market significantly impacted the livelihoods of traders and their families while disrupting supply and production chains,” he said.
“It is commendable that the first phase of the market is now complete. This paves way for 1,628 traders to begin operations and comes as a timely relief for traders who now have decent workspace.
I gather that phase two of the New Mbare Musika is
designed to be a multi-storey complex with improved sanitation, fire safety features and organised trading spaces. The improved business and trading environment, resonates with our national Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Mnangagwa urged other council’s to partner investors and replicate the concept towards modernising and expanding our marketplaces across the country’s ten provinces.
“We must also address fire safety and broader disaster management issues,” he said.
The new Mbare Musika market was constructed by Masimba Construction and Mkambo Misika
Hubs, who partnered Government in the project.