Government’s Bold Step to Rebuild Mbare Musika and Glen View Area 8

The government has revealed plans to reconstruct Mbare Musika and Glen View Area 8, two of Harare’s most vital trading centers, in partnership with the private sector. This move aims to modernize the markets while ensuring safety and resilience against disasters.

In a statement following a recent Cabinet meeting, Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, outlined the government’s strategy. The Cabinet approved a proposal to engage a top engineering, construction, and development firm to execute the project under the Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (DEPC+F) model.

This approach promises swift, efficient construction of high-quality facilities. The project is set to create an organized trading environment, allowing traders to resume business while formalizing operations through taxation.

Fires have been a persistent issue in Harare’s informal markets, with both Mbare Musika and Glen View suffering numerous incidents. The use of combustible materials and poor fire prevention infrastructure have been identified as primary causes. The government’s intervention highlights Harare City Council’s limitations in managing these crises. With insufficient capacity, the Council has struggled to address the growing frequency of market fires.

The government is shifting its focus to prevent further disasters and has welcomed private sector involvement in rebuilding efforts. Muswere emphasized that this partnership is key to not only rebuilding the markets but also ensuring future safety and functionality.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe added that the new structures will be multi-floor, segregating different sectors of trade. This means traders dealing in hardware will have their designated space, while those in ICT and other sectors will occupy separate floors. This layout aims to enhance order and operational efficiency in these busy hubs.

Mbare Musika, known for its massive daily turnover of more than US$2 million, is a critical player in Zimbabwe’s economy. The recent fire resulted in a loss estimated at over US$20 million, underscoring the need for more resilient infrastructure. The government’s plan to rebuild the market with climate- and fire-resistant structures is essential for the future sustainability of the area.

Similarly, Glen View Area 8, Harare’s largest furniture manufacturing hub, will also benefit from this model. The government’s plan includes replicating the approach used in Mbare Musika, creating a safer environment for traders and reducing the risk of future fires. This shift toward modern, structured trading centers signals the government’s intent to transform informal markets across Zimbabwe.

By collaborating with the private sector and utilizing innovative building models, the government is taking decisive steps to secure the future of Zimbabwe’s informal trading economy.

The Zim Bulletin