The reconstruction of the Mbare Musika Traders Market which was razed by a fire earlier this month will be completed in seven months beginning next month, a Cabinet Minister has said.
The Mbare Traders’ Market was on October 8 razed by a raging fire that destroyed wares and other valuables worth an estimated US$5 million destroying the livelihoods of 4 695 traders and about 23 000 others downstream. President Emmerson Mnangagwa then declared the fire a state of national disaster to enable the government to mobilise resources to respond and help rebuild the market while assisting the traders to start afresh.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere told the media after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that his Local Government and Public Works counterpart, Daniel Garwe had updated Cabinet on the reconstruction of the market.
Dr Muswere said a three (3) floor model design is being proposed whereby businesses will be classified and accommodated on all the three levels. The reconstructed main market will accommodate at least 10 000 traders with the reconstruction taking seven months to complete.
The Mbare Musika Traders Market project is expected to pilot the Smart Market concept to enhance the trading environment through provision of safe and modern facilities.
As part of the reorganisation, response and recovery plan under the Building Back Better programme, Dr Muswere said the government will provide immediate relief in the form of livelihood support (safety nets) such as cash transfers, payment of school fees and psychosocial support and child protection.
Government will also immediately help resuscitate the businesses through loans, grants and other stimulus packages to assist traders with restocking and provision of alternative and conducive workspace with the Harare City Council offering the open space opposite Carter House.
There will also be economic empowerment programmes that support stakeholders in rebuilding their businesses and promoting economic stability, upgrading market infrastructure to two or three storey buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters.
“An assessment carried out by the government established that a total of 4 695 traders (1 511 stall operators and 3 184 lessees) were directly affected by the disaster, which had a negative bearing on the livelihoods of 23 000 people,” Dr Muswere said.
New Ziana
