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Latwell Nyangu
THE Mbare Traders’ Market, which was destroyed by a fire, will be rebuilt with the Government engaging a leading engineering, construction and development company to partner in the rebuilding exercise.
Speaking during the Post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said:
“Following the incident, which affected 4 695 traders and income generation capacity worth millions per day, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, declared a State of Disaster at the Market.
“The declaration will facilitate appropriate response measures to the incident.
“Pertinent to note is that similar fire incidences have been recorded at other markets in the City of Harare, with the primary causes being use of highly combustible materials and lack of fire-prevention infrastructure.”
Dr Muswere said the Harare City Council does not have the capacity to address the incidents.
“Government has to intervene and is promoting private sector participation to complement its efforts.
“Accordingly, Cabinet approved the engagement of a leading engineering, construction and development company to partner the Government in rebuilding the Mbare Traders’ Market, under a Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (DEPC+F) model.
“This model will ensure that high-quality facilities are completed and commissioned within the shortest possible time. It will also allow traders to resume operations in an orderly environment that facilitates formalisation and payment of taxes.”
Minister Muswere said the model will be replicated to upgrade similar markets across the country.
Meanwhile, the Government will, under the disaster management framework, provide the necessary livelihood and social assistance support to ensure that the affected traders pull through the immediate difficulties they face.
Longer-term sustainability and resilience-building mechanisms for traders, will also be addressed under the framework.
Online Reporter