New Mbare Musika Nears Grand Opening

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Mbare Musika traders are set to move into a newly built, state-of-the-art market as final touches are being completed ahead of its official commissioning later this week.

The project, now 99.9% complete, was undertaken following a devastating fire that razed the old market in October last year. Constructed by Masimba Holdings (Private) Ltd, the new facility will accommodate about 1,600 traders.

Touring the site on Monday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Engineer B. Kabikira and A. T. Mavunga, said the new market will be a game-changer in formalising informal trade, which constitutes a significant portion of the economy.

“We have a lot of stakeholders that have come here,” Garwe said. “We have three banks that are now working with us: BancABC, CBZ, and Micro Finance Bank. All these are stakeholders that want to join hands to formalise the informal trade, which accounts for 70% of our economy.”

Garwe highlighted the market's modern features, including CCTV surveillance, advanced firefighting systems, clean ablution facilities, and accessibility features for people with disabilities. A police post has also been established to maintain order.

“This market is a model. It is not just for Harare. It is a template that we intend to replicate in other towns as part of our push towards Vision 2030,” he added.

Garwe also revealed plans for the second phase of the project. “Phase 2 will accommodate about 10,000 traders, and a groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the old Mbare Musika site,” he said.

The project is being implemented under a build-operate-transfer arrangement with Masimba Holdings. The City of Harare and the Ministry will jointly oversee the market’s operations.

Among those who joined the ministerial delegation were the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa, Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Women’s Affairs Secretary Dr. Mavis Sibanda, Harare Metropolitan Province Permanent Secretary Cosmas Chiringa, and representatives from vendor associations.