The new facility, which will accommodate up to 1,000 traders, marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to support informal traders and revitalise local commerce.
“When our goods were destroyed by fire, we never imagined that we would one day operate from such a modern facility. We are sincerely grateful to the government for fulfilling this promise,” said Mr Erasmus Bofo, Chairperson of the Mbare Retail Traders Association.
On Monday, a delegation of government ministers toured the site to assess the completed works ahead of the official commissioning of the mall.
“We came as a ministerial team to assess the progress of the project ahead of its commissioning by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Friday. We are satisfied with the work done,” said Honourable Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, confirmed that the first phase of the project is complete and the government is now working closely with the traders on the allocation of trading spaces.
“The government is currently finalising allocation modalities with the traders, after which they will be accommodated in the new facility,” Senator Tawengwa explained.
The development of the Mbare Musika Traders Mall was made possible through a public-private partnership involving the central government, the Harare City Council, and other stakeholders.
“We are thankful to the government for adopting an inclusive approach and promoting partnerships that have resulted in tangible benefits for our trading community,” said Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume.
Meanwhile, the government has also revealed plans to modernise the Glenview Area 8 complex, where many small to medium-scale entrepreneurs are currently operating, in a move aimed at expanding support to informal sector growth and infrastructure modernisation.
