Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has underscored the need for enhanced fire safety protocols and broader disaster risk management frameworks across workplaces and public facilities in the country.
He said this at the official commissioning of the newly re-developed Mbare Traders Market, marking the completion of Phase 1 of the reconstruction project following the devastating fire that razed the facility in October 2024.
The catastrophic blaze, which tore through the iconic market on October 8 last year, destroyed countless stalls and merchandise, leaving thousands of traders counting their losses and without a place to operate from.
The tragedy prompted the government to declare a State of Disaster on October 14 under the Civil Protection Act to allow it to mobilise resources to assist the vendors get back to business.
“Disaster reduction and management must always be multi-pronged and result in improved service delivery, cleaner environments and trafficable roads, among others.
“Taking lessons and experiences from the successful implementation of Phase I of the Mbare Musika project, I urge City authorities, partners and investors to replicate the concept towards modernising and expanding our marketplaces across the country’s ten provinces,” he said.
The completion of Phase 1 will allow 1 628 traders to resume operations in a modern, structured environment.
President Mnangagwa also launched Phase 2 of the project, which will see the construction of a multi-storey trading complex equipped with improved sanitation, organized vendor spaces, and robust fire safety systems.
He called on local authorities, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and all civil protection stakeholders to prioritise risk reduction strategies that ensure safer, cleaner, and more functional urban spaces.
President Mnangagwa urged stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces to emulate the Mbare Musika project by modernising marketplaces in their own regions.
He praised the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a cornerstone of the national economy, noting their substantial contribution to Gross Domestic Product, employment, and inclusive empowerment.
“SMEs are not just economic engines, they are lifelines for our people. That is why government continues to prioritise reducing entry barriers, streamlining business processes, and nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.
President Mnangagwa drew parallels with regional efforts to boost development, referencing his participation in the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Uganda earlier this week, where job creation and youth-driven innovation took centre stage.
“I challenge our entrepreneurs to embrace emerging technologies and scale up their businesses – not only within Zimbabwe but across SADC and beyond,” he said.
He also tasked the Ministry of SMEs to foster innovative approaches that help small businesses evolve into formal enterprises with regional and international footprints.
President Mnangagwa commended Masimba Construction and Mkambo Misika Hubs, the main partners in the redevelopment, for their professionalism and dedication in completing Phase 1 as well as the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mbare Musika Reconstruction as well as the traders themselves for their resilience, patience, and cooperation.
Calling on market users to take pride and responsibility in maintaining the new infrastructure, President Mnangagwa reiterated his call for national participation in Zimbabwe’s monthly clean-up and beautification campaign, held every first Friday.
“As we march towards Vision 2030, let us act in unity, with determination, commitment, and discipline. The prosperity we seek lies in our hands,” he said.
New Ziana
