Mbare Musika Model Set for National Rollout

Zim Now Writer
Government has unveiled plans to replicate the newly modernised Mbare Musika Traders Market model across all 10 provinces, in a nationwide push to revitalise informal trading spaces and foster inclusive economic growth.

This development is outlined in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works' latest "Call to Action" report, which positions the Mbare project as the first phase of a broader national market redevelopment strategy.

“Mbare Musika Traders Market is just the beginning of a massive reconstruction exercise of traders markets across the 10 provinces, in an endeavour to leave no place and no one behind,” said Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection.

Now in its second phase of construction, the Mbare Musika site is being transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. The redesign includes safety upgrades such as fire hydrants to guard against disasters like the 2023 blaze that destroyed large sections of the market and displaced thousands of vendors.

The upgraded market will also offer enhanced sanitation facilities, with accessible ablution blocks and hand-washing stations designed to accommodate people with disabilities.

The initiative is being carried out under a build-operate-transfer arrangement with Masimba Holdings. Upon completion, the new-look Mbare Musika is expected to become the national prototype for future market development projects.