Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
THE City of Bulawayo has announced plans to construct a shed at the Highlanders Traders Site after the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), a development partner working with the local authority, availed US$200 000 towards the development of safe markets in the city.
According to the latest council minutes, the funds had initially been earmarked for infrastructural development at the proposed Bhaktas Market situated at the intersection of Lobengula Street and First Avenue.
However, council noted that the estimated cost for the Bhaktas Market project stood at US$4,8 million, far beyond the available funding.
The local authority further revealed that by the time communication regarding the funding was received, the proposed Bhaktas Market development project had already been put out to tender, making it unavailable for consideration under the SDC funding arrangement.
“The best option was to switch to the Highlanders traders’ site, which needed immediate attention to attain the safe and resilient status,” reads part of the council minutes.
“The Highlanders Trading site was situated at the intersection Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue and Fife Street and the proposed development shall consist of putting up a shelter at an estimated cost of US$200 000.”
Council said although the funding would not be enough to cover the entire development area, it would be sufficient to complete one shelter which could later be replicated through support from other development partners.
The local authority said the site had already been demarcated into trading bays measuring 2m by 2m each, with all bays having been allocated to traders.
Council noted that clothing traders operate within the fenced section while fruit and vegetable vendors trade along the pavement.
Currently, traders at the site are using makeshift structures constructed from steel pipes and plastic coverings.
“The ultimate goal of the project was to construct permanent sheds over the bays, that would replace the unsightly temporary structures currently on site and improve conditions of the work spaces,” reads the report.
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation (BVTO) executive director Mr Michael Ndiweni welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step towards improving working conditions for informal traders.
“This is a very strategic and welcome development for the city, particularly in providing safe and decent working spaces for micro, small to medium enterprises,” said Mr Ndiweni.
“We are really grateful for the support of MSMEs actors. We just hope that the implementation of the project will be executed on time so that people have spaces to work without delay.”
