Online ReporterPatrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
MORE progress is being made in providing vending stalls and shops for traders at the popular Mtapa Market in Gweru’s Mtapa suburb. The development comes as welcome news to around 1 500 vendors who have been operating under makeshift tents for the past four years.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Gweru City Council strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo, council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee said vendors will soon have proper shades over their heads.
“The City of Gweru, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, has constructed vending stalls at Mtapa Market. Silveira House is donating US$50 000 to complete the outstanding works on the project.
The donation is not for the initial construction but rather to finalise the existing project,” she said.
Ms Chingwaramusee said Silveira House has also pledged to support the construction of new market stalls in Mtapa suburb scheduled for 2026.
“This partnership demonstrates a collective effort to address the challenges faced by vendors and improve the overall market infrastructure,” she said.
The council official said the local authority has resolved to address challenges at Mtapa Market, including the construction of more stalls. The project aims to improve infrastructure, sanitation and provide adequate facilities for vendors.
“The City of Gweru is committed to completing the project, having engaged private players to construct the market. The council is working to improve sanitation and infrastructure, following a Government ultimatum to complete the project within two weeks,” she said.
Ms Chingwaramusee added that the local authority has procured equipment for the vending stalls, which will provide much-needed shade and storage facilities.
Regarding ablution facilities, she said vendors are currently using pay toilets nearby. The council has budgeted for improvements, allocating 10 percent of the 2026 budget to local economic development, which includes vendor infrastructure upgrades.
“We are in discussions with the vendors to introduce a payment system, as they are currently not paying any fees. We appreciate their patience and understanding as we work towards creating a better trading environment. We are not collecting first; we want to restore order, then collect fees,” she said.
In 2021, at the height of Covid-19, vendors at Kudzanayi Long-distance Bus Terminus and Kombayi fresh produce markets complied with a Government directive to vacate their trading spaces to allow renovations. Following these upgrades, Kudzanayi now accommodates buses, travellers and traders selling refreshments, fruits and clothing.
However, the situation at Mtapa Market had remained unresolved for vendors specialising in fresh produce and various items.
