Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa and Nokuthula Dube
JUST a month after reopening its gates, the newly upgraded Mbare Market has injected fresh life into Harare’s oldest suburb. The market is now cleaner, safer and more organised than many traders can remember.
The transformation marks a turning point not only for Mbare, but for urban renewal across the capital. Once defined by crumbling infrastructure, overcrowding and fire hazards, Mbare has become the bold flagship of Zimbabwe’s vision for urban regeneration. Its decaying core is being reimagined with modern markets, better roads and improved housing — a visual testament to what focused investment can achieve. The centrepiece of this revival is the revamped Mbare Market, officially commissioned last month by President Mnangagwa under the Mbare Urban Renewal and Regeneration Project. Once derelict and fire-ravaged, the iconic trading hub has been transformed into a clean, efficient and secure space that restores both dignity and opportunity for traders and consumers alike.
“Mbare Musika plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy as a major hub for our local farmers, traders and consumers, providing access to a diverse range of agricultural produce, clothing, hardware and household goods,” said President Mnangagwa during the commissioning.
“The destruction of the market significantly impacted the livelihoods of traders and their families while disrupting supply and production chains.” His remarks recalled the devastating fire of October 2024 that gutted the market and prompted him to declare a State of Disaster in terms of the Civil Protection Act.
The new market now features wide aisles, modern stalls and better sanitation, a development that has revitalised economic activity and brought back a sense of community pride.
“We love what’s been done so far,” said Kudakwashe Mudzamiri, a local resident.
“It shows that change is possible.
“Now, it is our duty to maintain it while the authorities make it more affordable, especially for those of us who wake up every day to serve this community.” While the progress has been widely welcomed, traders say more needs to be done to make the market truly functional and accessible. Top among their concerns are pedestrian safety and the affordability of stall rentals.
“Business has improved, yes. The stalls are modern and customers feel more secure coming here,” said Mrs Alice Mupanduki.
“But crossing the road to get here is still dangerous. We need proper pedestrian crossings. It’s not just about buildings, it’s about our safety too.” That concern is echoed by many, who point to the widened and now busier roads surrounding the market. Yet there are still no designated pedestrian walkways, zebra crossings or traffic lights.
“Every day, we see people dodging speeding commuter omnibuses just to reach the market,” said a vendor only identified as Mrs Chokuda.
“We are grateful for the new infrastructure, but we urge the authorities to put up zebra crossings and traffic lights. We can’t keep risking lives.” The monthly rentals are also a pressing issue. According to Mbare Retail Market Traders’ Association chairperson Mr Erasmus Fofo, the current rentals remain out of reach for many.
“We are asking for a review,” he said. “If the authorities could help reduce the rentals to at least US$30 monthly, it would go a long way in supporting small traders.
“Our traders were affected by fire last year and the majority are saying they are still struggling to pay US$80; it is beyond their reach.”
Harare City Council Small to Medium Enterprises Committee chairperson Councillor Denford Ngadziore said there was need to rationalise the new market’s monthly rentals.
“I agree with the traders’ sentiments,” he said.
“The rentals are supposed to be reviewed downwards.
“As council, we are supposed to get US$25 per table. So, the charges for the developer are supposed to be fair and reasonable.”
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe told The Sunday Mail that the Government has directed that the market be run as a business. He said: “Cabinet, in its wisdom, directed that the market be run on a purely business model by the investor under the oversight of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and assisted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development,” he said.
Minister Garwe said similar redevelopment projects of home industries were on the cards.
“Once Mbare Traders Market Phase 2 is complete, Government will embark on the development of Glen View Area 8 Furniture Market before cascading to other towns and cities,” he said.
“This initiative aligns with His Excellency the President’s national Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
As the Government pushes ahead with the next phase of development — a three-storey market complex and the refurbishment of nearby housing units — vendors remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed.
Many say the ongoing work in Mbare is a clear signal that the Government is serious about urban transformation. Roads leading into and around the suburb are being modernised, laying the foundation for a more connected and functional urban environment.
The authorities say this is only the beginning of the works.
The market upgrade is part of a broader regeneration project that includes overhauling Mbare’s long-neglected residential flats and public amenities
Online Reporter