Story by Wellington Makonese
CONSTRUCTION of the Mbare Temporary Market is now in motion thanks to a recent agreement between the government and a developer, Masimba Holdings, to provide a modern and secure marketplace.
The agreement between the government and the developer has allowed for construction to begin much to the relief of traders.
The developer outlined the project’s scope, highlighting the temporary structure’s key features.
“We intend to move the existing traders that are sitting on the area that was affected by the fire. So, the idea is to complete this section within four to six weeks. The structure is basically going to be made of steel, with sanitary facilities and one concreate slab,” Masimba Holdings CEO Engineer Fungai Matawa said.
Construction of the spacious upmarket structure is expected to commence once the temporary structure is completed.
“We expect to start the main structure when we finish moving traders to this temporary site. Currently, we are designing to make sure that it covers more than 8 000 plus people as per government requirements.
“We are looking at the modalities to accommodate all traders, and that the steel structure comprises of a number of elements including sanitation, waste management, water resources and electricity,” said Engineer Matawa.
The local leadership noted that the project will transform the face of Mbare.
“This project speaks volumes to the government’s commitment to improving people’s livelihoods, our community will not be the same,” Mbare legislator, Honourable Martin Matinyanya said.
The Mbare traders market has been a hub for commerce and trade before the devastating fire with the reconstruction effort coming as relief to traders and customers alike.
