adminINFORMAL traders doing business at the Meikles Park in Mutare have been told to wind up their operations and move off the premise to pave way for the new owner to occupy the area. Mutare businessman, Mr Isau Mupfumi is now leasing the park from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
In a letter dated July 22, 2014 written by the Town Clerk, Mr Obert Muzawazi to the GERA — Meipark Association project coordinator — a copy of which this paper has in possession — the Meikles Park Flea Market has been moved off the park and relocated to Customs Street (Chidzere).
“The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has formerly advised that Meikles Park (now officially described as stand 11887 Mutare Township) was leased to Mr I Mupfumi. The stand has been title surveyed and handed over to the lease holder, Mr I Mupfumi.
“Pursuant to the above, the flea market on stand 11887 has to be relocated to Custom’s Street. The extent of the site, its boundaries and limits will be shown to you by council. Meanwhile, you can advise all members about this current development and emphasize that they must prepare for the relocation from now henceforth. Should some of your members wish to continue trading on stand 11887 they are free to make arrangements with the owner of the property and agree on the terms and conditions that shall be outlined.”
The local authority said it will help the traders relocate.
“Meanwhile, you are advised to liaise with the Director of Housing and Community Services and the City Engineer and make arrangements on how to manage the transition process. I intend to see the relocation process managed properly and well coordinated by council. Due cooperation by your members will help us achieve the intended result. Conditions of occupation on the new site will be tabled before your project committee in the meeting that is scheduled to take place today at 4pm (Wednesday).”
The National Social Security Authority is contesting the occupation of the park by Mr Mupfumi saying the stand belongs to it.
However, council has since advised that NSSA lost ownership of the stand some years back after it failed to develop the area within the stipulated time framework in line with municipal building by-laws.
The municipality later swapped the park with its parent ministry and got vast tracts of land for residential and commercial development near the Dangamvura Link Road.
In an interview on Wednesday, Mr Mupfumi said traders who still want to do business at the park will have to register with his company.
“In the meantime, they can do business at the park if they choose to but they have to register with us and agree to our terms and conditions. We will only disrupt their business when we start developing the area,” he said.
Online Reporter