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The first phase of the completed Mbare Traders Market (Musika) paves the way for 1,628 traders to begin operations in a decent workspace, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
President Mnangagwa said this while officially opening the Mbare Traders Market Development Project Phase 1 and the commissioning of Phase 2 of the project in Harare today.
The official opening was graced by National Chairman of ZANU (PF) and Minister of Defence, Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri; Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon. C. Z. Tawengwa; Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe; Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. M. Mutsvangwa; Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya; Mayor of the City of Harare, His Worship Councillor Jacob Mafume; Dr. Paul Tungwarara, the Presidential Investment Advisor; and representatives of Masimba Construction and Mkambo Misika Hubs, among other key dignitaries.
“Mbare Musika plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy as a major hub for our local farmers, traders, and consumers, providing access to a diverse range of agricultural produce, clothing, hardware, and household goods, among others. The destruction of the market significantly impacted the livelihoods of traders and their families while disrupting supply and production chains.
“It is commendable that the first phase of the market is now complete. This paves the way for 1,628 traders to begin operations and comes as a timely relief for traders who now have a decent workspace,” President Mnangagwa said.
Phase two of the New Mbare Musika is designed to be a multi-story complex with improved sanitation, fire safety features, and organised trading spaces. The improved business and trading environment resonates with the National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This further dovetails with the Government’s quest to ‘Build Back Better’ following many climate-induced natural disasters or devastating fire incidences such as those experienced at the Glenview Area 8 Furniture Market and Mbare Musika.
Taking lessons and experiences from the successful implementation of Phase I of the Mbare Musika project, President Mnangagwa urged City authorities, partners, and investors to replicate the concept towards modernising and expanding marketplaces across the country’s ten provinces.
“We must also address fire safety and broader disaster management issues. Workspaces and trading environments must accommodate more entrepreneurs and traders, particularly the youth and women. Together, the public and private sectors as well as citizens, let us scale up the establishment of such facilities for our own development, modernisation, and prosperity.
The President challenged rural and urban councils, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, as well as other stakeholders in the Civil Protection space, to be proactive and enhance the capacity of communities to respond and recover from disasters. He said disaster reduction and management must always be multi-pronged and result in improved service delivery, cleaner environments, and trafficable roads, among others.
President Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of the Small and Medium Enterprises Sector to the growth of our economy, insisting it stands as one of the critical pillars of the economy, contributing significantly to the total Gross Domestic Product.
“My Government, thus, recognises that SMEs are a key driver of economic growth, job creation, wealth creation, and broad-based empowerment. Earlier this week, I attended the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Uganda, as Chairman of SADC. As leaders of Africa, we discussed the importance of driving job creation and economic growth, particularly through our young people and women. I, therefore, challenge the entrepreneurs of our country to scale up the establishment of small businesses and start-ups in line with emerging trends and digital technologies.
“As a Government, we are ready to support solutions and new products related to agriculture, financial and climate technologies among others that must propel the industrialisation of our country.”
The President applauded Masimba Construction and Mkambo Misika Hubs, who partnered Government in the project, for their professionalism and work ethic which ensured the completion of Phase 1 of the Mbare Traders Market. Other stakeholders, including the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mbare Musika Reconstruction along with traders, were commended for their oversight and patience, which has seen stakeholders realising the successful milestone.
