Online Reporter
A GOVERNMENT delegation is currently in Kazan, Russia, for a technical exchange programme that is expected to assist in redesigning the Mbare Traders Market.
This effort to revamp the place, which suffered extensive damage from a fire last year, underscores the Government’s dedication to modernising urban infrastructure and enhancing the livelihoods of informal traders.
Mbare, which is 118 years old, is the country’s oldest suburb, having been established around 1907, and its time-worn infrastructure speaks to the passage of time.
Those who have been to Mbare Musika can confirm its historical significance, the bustling atmosphere, the crowding and its immense potential for economic revitalisation. The technical exchange with Kazan aligns with the Government’s objectives to transform the Mbare Traders Market into a contemporary facility and expedite urban renewal. The project aims not only to improve the market’s functionality and organisation but also to serve as a catalyst for broader urban renewal efforts across the nation, potentially establishing the Mbare Traders Market as a benchmark for future developments throughout the country.
Zimbabwe is making progress towards Vision 2030, which aspires to transition “towards an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030”, as articulated by President Mnangagwa in September 2018. In real terms, this translates to improved standards of living.
Furthermore, revamping the market supports the New Urban Agenda being implemented by the Government to strengthen the link involving sustainable urbanisation, job creation, livelihood opportunities and enhanced quality of life.
With the frameworks for urban renewal clearly established, the imminent completion of a temporary Mbare Traders Market is, therefore, a promising development.
This will enable traders to carry on with their businesses while they await the revival of the original market, which is expected to accommodate up to 10 000 people.
The technical exchange with Kazan, a city known for its exceptional urban planning and infrastructure development, is thus expected to provide valuable insights into modernising the market’s infrastructure, layout and management. This will result in better organisation, improved zoning, designated areas for different goods and clearer pathways, all of which can help alleviate congestion and enhance the movement of people and goods — something the market has urgently needed.
The visit also allows the delegation to leverage Russian expertise in urban planning, architectural design, infrastructure development and market management. This knowledge transfer can be vital for developing a comprehensive and sustainable redesign plan not just for Mbare but also for areas like Mutare (Sakubva) and Bulawayo (Cowdray Park), where urban regeneration programmes are planned. The high-profile delegation demonstrates the Government’s willingness to join hands with international partners and adopt global best practices in urban development. Doors for potential financial support or partnerships with Russian institutions or companies interested in urban development projects in Zimbabwe can be unlocked. Although Kazan and Mbare Musika have different histories and contexts, learning from how another city has addressed similar challenges can offer valuable insights and innovative solutions. The revitalised Mbare Musika could symbolise progress and motivate much-needed similar future urban renewal projects. For example, the Lusaka Market in Highfield could help reduce congestion at Mbare Musika if the right infrastructure is put in place. It is also encouraging to hear that the Government, in partnership with the City of Harare, is currently verifying details of 4 700 traders impacted by the devastating fire at the Mbare market.
They are working to allocate space for these traders in the new temporary market, which is expected to open in the first week of February. With a list of names of those affected by the blaze released last week, there are still numerous concerns that need to be addressed. In the past, some traders at Mbare Musika and others at the Mupedzanhamo Market have exploited the system by owning multiple stalls, which they sublet at inflated prices while paying minimal fees to the city council. Hopefully, the verification will tackle the issue of “ghost” traders who have falsely registered on the traders’ list.
By addressing these problems through verification, fair stall distribution can be ensured, benefiting legitimate traders who often struggle to find adequate space.
Once the exercise, which also involves identifying unregistered and double-registered traders, is completed, this should improve revenue collection for the city council and the Government, ultimately increasing the financial resources available for essential services and infrastructure development. The accurate data gathered through the verification will enhance market planning and management, enabling the implementation of targeted support programmes.
The next priority should be improving the dilapidated road infrastructure surrounding the Mbare Traders Market.
This should involve more than just patching up potholes; a complete overhaul of the outdated road systems is essential.
Achieving this goal will require the buy-in of every stakeholder, including Government agencies and probably private sector partners. The community should not be left out as they are the end users. This will certainly speed up Government’s nationwide effort to improve outdated infrastructure and rejuvenate urban areas. By building temporary accommodation for farmers and cold rooms to store produce, as well as modern working spaces for traders, the Government is living up to its word of building back better.
We can only hope that this marks the beginning of the renewal of Mbare.
