Online Reporter
THE new-look Mbare Musika market was recently completed and set to accommodate more than 2000 traders during the first phase, which is set for an official opening today.
According to the Civil Protection Department’s acting chief director Farari Hokonya, 5 134 traders were affected and have been undergoing the set verification exercise.
It has been stated that 2500 will be accommodated under phase one of smart markets.
The new era will, no doubt, bring relief to both stranded traders and consumers who had to look elsewhere following a devastating fire that ruined the busy market last year.
While the fire resulted in heavy losses for some of the vendors, especially those that kept money there and those with large stocks that were meant for trading the following day, it might have been a blessing in disguise.
One of the oldest fresh produce market places in Harare, the place needed sprucing up as it was chaotic and also a potential cholera hub, especially during the rain season.
Now the new Mbare Musika market is equipped with enhanced fire safety measures, expanded trading spaces and better sanitation facilities.
In an age where health and wellness have become paramount, the importance of a clean and well-organized market for fresh produce cannot be overstated. Experts believe that our traditional marketplaces, though vibrant and deeply rooted in culture, often fall short in meeting the basic standards of hygiene and order that modern consumers expect—and deserve.
For example, fresh fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet yet, the places being used for the selling of these commodities are frequently plagued by unsanitary conditions, including open garbage, poor drainage, scattered waste, and lack of proper storage facilities.
This is what existed at the old market, and this did not only diminish the quality of the produce but also posed significant public health risks.
The way forward is a modern market, equipped with clean stalls, proper waste disposal systems, and regulated vendor spaces. This is what is in store at the new Mbare Musika market and we believe it will go a long way in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both buyers and sellers.
It would also help maintain the nutritional value of fresh produce by preventing contamination and spoilage.
To the local authorities in the country, investing in modernised, hygienic market infrastructure should not be treated as a luxury—it is a necessity. It reflects a society’s respect for health, dignity, and progress.
The first phase of the Mbare Musika market should serve as a trendsetter, creating a marketplace that serves as a model of cleanliness, order, and quality.
We hope the other local authorities will take notes and engage stakeholders in coming up with similar projects across the country.
