A huge fire burned down the Mbare Musika market last October. Many traders lost their goods and places to sell. President Mnangagwa quickly declared the area a disaster. This allowed the national government to step in quickly to help, even though city officials usually handle markets. The plan aimed to rebuild something much better than what burned down.
The government saw a chance to create a modern three-floor market at the main spot. But traders needed places to sell right away. Officials found land nearby for a quick fix. They built a good structure very fast. President Mnangagwa will open this building soon. Though called "temporary," it stands as a solid permanent building. It fits thousands of sellers but stays smaller than the big market planned next.
At the opening, the President will keep his promise to help these traders. He will bring both a ready-made market and the start of work on the bigger future one. Sellers can work in safe, clean spaces right away. Everyone must keep it nice. People who run it and people who sell there need to team up for success.
Past problems must stay gone forever. No crooks can grab space or rent it out wrong. Anyone who runs this place needs complete honesty. They must fight all dirty deals. Private markets often do well, but the Harare City Council has failed before. The final setup needs clear rules. The government should watch closely to stop any cheating.
Sellers must clean their spots daily. They should work together on shared areas. Starting fresh makes it easy to set high standards. This first market helps test how to run the bigger one later. Rules will work better when tested first. New sellers can learn exactly what they must do to fit in.
A simple permit system might help these tiny shops. Basic papers with small monthly fees would make them official businesses. The costs must stay very low. This starts them on the path to growing bigger someday. Tax officials could check the larger stands, but most will be much too small for taxes. Free tax sign-ups might still help them join the formal system.
As workers build the three-floor complex, leaders should plan what happens to the first building. Many good uses exist as part of making Mbare better. A central arts and crafts market might work well as more visitors come. Zimbabweans feel proud of their culture and want places to show it. The ready-made space fits this need perfectly.
However, Mbare grows from here, and the government keeps its word. It builds modern, high-quality spaces and supports a brighter future for thousands of people who live and work in Mbare. The new markets will change lives for many years to come.
The government saw a chance to create a modern three-floor market at the main spot. But traders needed places to sell right away. Officials found land nearby for a quick fix. They built a good structure very fast. President Mnangagwa will open this building soon. Though called "temporary," it stands as a solid permanent building. It fits thousands of sellers but stays smaller than the big market planned next.
At the opening, the President will keep his promise to help these traders. He will bring both a ready-made market and the start of work on the bigger future one. Sellers can work in safe, clean spaces right away. Everyone must keep it nice. People who run it and people who sell there need to team up for success.
Past problems must stay gone forever. No crooks can grab space or rent it out wrong. Anyone who runs this place needs complete honesty. They must fight all dirty deals. Private markets often do well, but the Harare City Council has failed before. The final setup needs clear rules. The government should watch closely to stop any cheating.
Sellers must clean their spots daily. They should work together on shared areas. Starting fresh makes it easy to set high standards. This first market helps test how to run the bigger one later. Rules will work better when tested first. New sellers can learn exactly what they must do to fit in.
A simple permit system might help these tiny shops. Basic papers with small monthly fees would make them official businesses. The costs must stay very low. This starts them on the path to growing bigger someday. Tax officials could check the larger stands, but most will be much too small for taxes. Free tax sign-ups might still help them join the formal system.
As workers build the three-floor complex, leaders should plan what happens to the first building. Many good uses exist as part of making Mbare better. A central arts and crafts market might work well as more visitors come. Zimbabweans feel proud of their culture and want places to show it. The ready-made space fits this need perfectly.
However, Mbare grows from here, and the government keeps its word. It builds modern, high-quality spaces and supports a brighter future for thousands of people who live and work in Mbare. The new markets will change lives for many years to come.
