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The modern, all-weather Traders’ Market in Mbare has been described as a major turning point that will witness the formalization of traders and improved working spaces for beneficiaries.
Speaking during a tour to assess the progress made by Masimba Construction in Mbare yesterday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon Senator Charles Z. Tawengwa, said the Government has taken a decisive and unprecedented paradigm shift towards addressing the mishap that befell the Mbare Traders.
“The project is a major turning point that will witness the formalization of traders and improved working spaces. The capacitation of the traders who were affected by the inferno which gushed off their wares was a critical move by the Government. Phase 1 of the project shall witness the affected people who are in the range of 4000, phase 2 will target around 10,000 beneficiaries drawn across all sectors of the disadvantaged community including the youth.
“The Government is very cognisant of the pivotal economic contribution that such traders bring to the community and will support their capacitation,” Hon Tawengwa said.
Speaking during the tour, Hon Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development said the process is underway to finalize the selection of the first batch of beneficiaries to be housed in the market.
“I want to assure you that this process will be done transparently. It’s worth reminding each other that for an orderly allocation of space to traders, we need more not less cooperation, solidarity, honesty, and transparency. Self-aggrandizement and enrichment at the cost of others will ruin the process of modernising Mbare Musika.
“The task ahead needs all hands on the deck and you can count on our cooperation and support to restore your businesses to the original position. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises assures all traders whose businesses were affected that you are not alone. What you need to do is establish structures that can collaborate and liaise with my Ministry so that we can continue to assist you. We promise to work with you to ensure that you are supported in relocating your businesses, enabling you to continue providing for your families. However, we also need you to be organized and bankable, as business operations thrive when there is good organization,” Senator Mutsvangwa told the traders.
She said that through institutions such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Bank, SMEDCO, the Women Development Fund, and the Community Development Fund, traders will be organized into groups to help them access loans and other financial facilities.
“Additionally, we will facilitate work improvement programs, including training on occupational health and safety, to minimize fire risks and ensure resilience against future occurrences. Key to your success will be compliance and speaking with one voice on issues affecting you and your businesses.
“While we wait for the Government to start and complete the modern Mbare Musika Traders’ Market, let us fully utilize this temporary site effectively and efficiently,” she added.
