President Mnangagwa is expected to officially reopen Mbare Market in two weeks, following the devastating fire that destroyed the market in November of last year.
The reopening event will also mark the launch of a national initiative aimed at constructing similar markets across the country, providing safe and clean spaces for vendors and small businesses.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe shared this update in the Senate on Thursday, responding to questions from senators.
He explained that following the fire, which resulted in significant property losses, the president tasked his ministry with developing a national program to rebuild and establish similar markets.
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“The concept note for this initiative was submitted to and approved by the Cabinet, which recognised the need for such markets nationwide,” Minister Garwe said.
“Since the fire in Mbare, this has been treated as an urgent matter, and the reopening of Mbare Market will serve as a pilot for this broader program.”
The first phase will see the completion of Mbare Market, where approximately 1,600 vendors will benefit.
Minister Garwe highlighted that the market would include key amenities such as banking services, police offices, management offices, and state-of-the-art restroom facilities, including bathrooms for vendors to wash up before selling their goods.
He also revealed that the national program will extend beyond urban areas, with plans to develop markets in rural districts to provide safer selling environments for those currently operating in public spaces.
The initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to world-class status by 2030.
As part of this effort, the markets will be inclusive, with stalls allocated to women, youths, and people with disabilities.
The Mbare Market reopening is seen as a crucial step towards realising these goals, providing a model for future market developments across the country.
