Story by Gay Matambo
THE Tshovani community in Chiredzi town is excited about the rehabilitation of a vending market vending mart which has been made possible by the Second Republic’s devolution programme.
The rehabilitation of the Chiredzi market, saw major works being carried out after the government provided financial resources to the tune of US$43 000 through the devolution programme.
The project scope included the rehabilitation of two market shades that will accommodate 239 vendors, the construction of a new market shade which will house close to 150 vendors as well as the construction of a receiving bay for wholesalers which has the capacity to accommodate 50 vendors.
The vending mart now has a solar-powered borehole, while a perimeter wall is being erected, much to the delight of the community.
“As vendors, we are very happy with this development. This marketplace was now unhealthy for us, there was no water and toilets,” said one of the community members.
“Before they built the shades and stalls for us, we were very disorganised and the market was very dirty. Now there is some form of order,” added another.
Another weighed in, “We are very happy because we now have toilets and running water at this market. We never thought that this would happen.”
“The situation here was not pleasing. As council, we decided to modernise our market under the smart city concept. Modernising these vending stalls will also benefit the local authority as it will be able to collect revenue from the vendors,” noted Ward 4 councillor, Liberty Macharaga.
Chiredzi Town Council officials said the devolution programme proves the government is walking the talk on its commitment to inclusive development.
“We would like to thank the Second Republic under the able leadership of His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for availing funds to Chiredzi Town Council under the devolution programme. That money has gone towards implementing various infrastructure development programmes including the construction of a vending mart for our vegetable vendors,” noted Acting Chiredzi Town Secretary, Engineer Wesley Kauma.
“In 2018 this place known as Mabanana market, was the epicentre of cholera. The main reason being we were selling foodstuffs without an adequate supply of water, but with the intervention of the Second Republic through devolution funds we have managed to rectify that,” he added.
“This area is the market centre for Chiredzi District. Produces from other towns such as Gutu, Harare and from around the district are found here,” stated Chiredzi Town chairperson, Alderman Gibson Hwende.
“This market was not meeting health standards. There were no ablution facilities. As council, we decided to channel part of our allocation of the devolution funds to rehabilitate this marketplace.”
The devolution programme has seen several infrastructure development projects coming along, as the Second Republic walks the talk in transforming lives across the country.