Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Several council-owned bars across Harare are set for a facelift under a renovation programme spearheaded by Rufaro Marketing, which manages the bars.
The programme is set to rejuvenate the city’s neglected public entertainment infrastructure.
The initiative marks a significant step after the council took over its bars from space barons, with Rufaro Marketing now targeting bars that have fallen into disrepair and become unattractive to tenants due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The planned upgrades seek to restore these facilities to modern standards, allowing the city to reclaim meaningful revenue from its commercial properties.
Council officials and councillors, led by Rufaro Marketing board chairperson Mr Warren Chiwawa, toured some of the bars this week to ascertain their status before recommending their upgrade.
Mr Chiwawa acknowledged that the bars were in a dire state and needed urgent attention.
Rufaro Marketing finance director Mr Ngoni Chimbalu also said many of the properties under the council’s portfolio had become unprofitable due to their dilapidated state.
“The properties which fall under the Rufaro Marketing portfolio have deteriorated to an extent that they are no longer attracting quality tenants who pay market rates,” he said.
“The buildings have gone for a long time without adequate maintenance, let alone renovations.
“Despite the fact that most of the properties are situated in prime areas, because of the run-down state of the buildings, it is difficult to charge market rentals.”
Mr Chimbalu said Rufaro Marketing would begin renovations in phases due to financial limitations.
“Rufaro Marketing is set to embark on a major programme of renovating the bars so that the properties can produce good returns.
“Due to financial constraints, we will do the bars in batches,” he said.
Mr Chimbalu said the first phase will focus on refurbishing several iconic bars including Tafara bar in Tafara, Duriro bar, Pfumojena in Mbare and Zororo bar in Dzivarasekwa.
He said these will be modernised to meet current hospitality standards and attract better-paying tenants.
Mr Chimbalu said although Rufaro Marketing had successfully reclaimed several properties previously taken over by land barons, most of them remain in a state unfit for use.
“Rufaro Marketing has managed to claim outstanding properties which were grabbed by land barons but the properties are in an unusable state; therefore, no meaningful revenue is being generated,” he said.
The planned renovations are expected to breathe new life into communities and contribute to broader efforts of economic revitalisation in Harare.
