Online Reporter
THE relocation of more than 340 traders from the old Murahwa People’s Green Market to a temporary site near Quest Motors marks a significant step in the transformation of one of Mutare’s oldest and most congested trading spaces.
It signals that the long-awaited US$6 million Sakubva Industrial Hub is finally moving from promise to reality.
For many years, traders, residents and visitors have endured the deteriorating conditions at the old market, where overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate infrastructure had become a daily challenge. The commencement of this ambitious project therefore deserves commendation.
However, while it is important to celebrate progress, equal attention must be given to the concerns being raised by the traders who have temporarily sacrificed their comfort and convenience to make way for development.
The Sakubva Industrial Hub is more than just a construction project. It represents an opportunity to redefine informal trading in Mutare and create an environment that is safer, cleaner, more organised and economically productive.
The project aligns with the broader urban renewal agenda aimed at modernising cities and improving the quality of life for residents. If completed on schedule, the hub has the potential to create a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure, enhanced business opportunities and increased economic activity.
For years, the Murahwa People’s Green Market operated under immense pressure. Facilities designed for a small number of traders ended up serving more than a thousand people. Water shortages, inadequate ablution facilities, poor waste management and congestion became commonplace. Such conditions were not only undesirable for traders, but also posed health and safety risks to the public. It was therefore inevitable that a lasting solution had to be found.
The progress made so far should not be allowed to stall. One of the greatest dangers facing large infrastructure projects is delay. Delays often result in escalating costs, loss of confidence among stakeholders and unnecessary uncertainty for beneficiaries.
Traders have already relocated, businesses have been disrupted and livelihoods temporarily affected in anticipation of a better future. The authorities involved, including the Government, Mutare City Council and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), must therefore ensure that construction proceeds efficiently and within agreed timelines.
Speed is crucial because traders at the temporary site are operating under transitional conditions. Every additional month spent waiting for completion places pressure on their businesses and incomes. Many informal traders survive on daily sales, and prolonged uncertainty can have devastating effects on household livelihoods. The project should therefore be treated with urgency so that those affected can begin benefiting from the promised modern facilities.
At the same time, authorities must not overlook the concerns raised by the relocated traders. Their concerns are genuine and deserve immediate attention. Traders have indicated that the temporary site faces challenges related to water supply, electricity and parking space.
These are not minor complaints. Access to water is essential for hygiene and business operations, particularly for traders dealing in fresh produce and food products. Electricity is equally important for security, refrigeration and various commercial activities.
Without these basic services, productivity and profitability inevitably suffer.
The issue of parking and accessibility is also important. Trading centres thrive when customers can easily access them. If roads are too narrow to accommodate traffic or if parking facilities are inadequate, customers may choose alternative markets, ultimately affecting traders’ incomes.
Addressing these shortcomings should not wait until the new hub is completed. Practical and immediate interventions can greatly improve operating conditions at the temporary site.
Authorities should view the traders not as obstacles to development, but as partners in the success of the project. Their willingness to relocate demonstrates a strong commitment to the broader vision of urban renewal. In return, their welfare and concerns should be prioritised. Open communication between project implementers and traders is essential. Regular updates on construction progress, timelines and plans for addressing challenges can help reduce anxiety and maintain confidence in the project.
Another issue that deserves careful consideration is the concern surrounding future rentals at the new industrial hub.
Many traders fear that they may be priced out of the very facility they are helping to make possible through their temporary relocation. While NSSA has indicated that rentals will be guided by prevailing market conditions and that displaced traders will be prioritised in allocations, it is important that clear and transparent information is provided as early as possible. Affordability must remain a key consideration if the project is to achieve its objective of uplifting small and medium enterprises rather than excluding them.
The ultimate success of the Sakubva Industrial Hub will not be measured solely by the quality of its buildings or the amount invested in it.
Success will be determined by how effectively it improves the lives of traders, creates employment opportunities, stimulates economic activity and contributes to Mutare’s overall development.
