Reconstructed Mbare market to accommodate 10 000 traders! The government has announced plans to reconstruct the Mbare Traders Market in Harare after a devastating fire on October 9, 2024, left thousands of traders without a source of income. The new structure aims to accommodate at least 10,000 traders and serve as a model for modernized market infrastructure across the country.
Impact of the Mbare Fire and Government’s Response
According to Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere, the fire at Mbare Traders Market directly impacted the livelihoods of 4,695 traders. In a post-Cabinet media briefing on October 29, Muswere shared that the government has developed a comprehensive response plan to support affected traders, including measures to help them restock their businesses and resume operations.
“The government will intervene through a number of initiatives which include the following: provision of immediate relief in the form of livelihood support such as cash transfers, payment of school fees, psychosocial support, and child protection,” stated Muswere. He added that the government would offer stimulus packages such as loans and grants to help traders replenish their lost stock.
Alternative Workspaces and Economic Empowerment Programs
To address the immediate needs of traders, the Harare City Council has designated an open space opposite Carter House as a temporary workspace for affected vendors while reconstruction is underway. This alternative arrangement aims to provide traders with a secure and convenient location to continue their operations as they await the completion of the new market.
The government’s response plan also includes economic empowerment programs designed to help traders rebuild their businesses and stabilize their incomes. Through these programs, the government seeks to promote economic resilience among traders and strengthen the local economy. This multi-faceted approach acknowledges that restoring traders’ financial security is essential not only for the traders themselves but also for the broader community that depends on the market for goods and services.
A Vision for the New Mbare Market: A Three-Story Smart Market Model
One of the standout features of the reconstruction plan is the implementation of a “Smart Market” model, which seeks to provide a modern, safe, and efficient environment for trade. The new market is expected to be a three-story building, with each level designed to accommodate different types of businesses. This classification will optimize space usage and ensure that traders from diverse sectors can operate side by side in a well-organized manner.
The redesigned market will have the capacity to support at least 10,000 traders, more than doubling its previous capacity. By densifying the market space, the government aims to create a more productive and orderly trading environment that can better serve the needs of Harare’s bustling economy.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness
The tragic fire has highlighted the need for stronger emergency response systems in markets. To mitigate the risk of future incidents, the government plans to integrate improved fire safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades into the design of the new market. This will include better emergency exits, fire-resistant materials, and fire suppression systems.
As Muswere explained, “Upgrading market infrastructure to densification using two or three-story buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters is a priority in the reconstruction.” The goal is to create a safer environment for both traders and customers, minimizing the risk of future fires and other disasters.
Timeline and Project Goals
Reconstruction efforts are scheduled to begin in November 2024 and are expected to take seven months to complete. The Mbare Musika Traders Market project will also serve as a pilot for the Smart Market concept, which the government envisions implementing in other markets throughout Zimbabwe. The Smart Market initiative aims to modernize public markets, making them more efficient, accessible, and safe for all users.
The primary objective of the Smart Market concept is to enhance the trading environment by providing safe, modern facilities that meet the needs of Zimbabwe’s evolving economy. By setting a high standard with the new Mbare market, the government hopes to inspire similar upgrades in markets across the country, ultimately contributing to more sustainable urban development.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Modernization and Economic Resilience
The planned reconstruction of the Mbare Traders Market represents a significant step forward for Harare’s trading community and the nation’s public market infrastructure as a whole. The government’s response not only addresses the immediate needs of the affected traders but also establishes a long-term vision for more resilient, safe, and organized markets.
With the integration of modern infrastructure and emergency preparedness, the new Mbare market aims to prevent future disasters while fostering economic stability. As the project unfolds, it promises to set a benchmark for market modernization in Zimbabwe, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating a thriving, secure trading environment for its citizens.
