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Farai Dauramanzi Herald Reporter
The Empowerment Mall, which recently opened its doors in central Harare, has brought relief to scores of informal traders who have been operating from the streets.
Situated at the corner of Chinhoyi Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, the market started operating at the beginning of the month and accommodates about 150 traders, mostly those who deal in clothing.
The mall was constructed by Intrust Investments, which also runs the Copacabana Traders Mall.
Intrust Investments director Mr Tendai Mazanhi said the development is in line with the Government’s empowerment initiatives and aimed at ensuring that traders were organised and paid taxes.
“The purpose of this mall is for empowerment in line with Vision 2030. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (a country is developed by its citizens) and that is why we have established this mall to accommodate vendors so that they can work without being chased away by authorities. This mall has all the necessary amenities including ablution facilities,” said Mr Mazanhi.
Some of the traders now occupying tables in the mall said that the space has gone a long way in empowering informal traders.
Mrs Thokozile Dhliwayo (46), who used to trade in Mbare, said that the opening of the new trading space was a blessing to many previously illegal traders.
“This place is very conducive for my business because I used to operate in Mbare where we were constantly engaged in running battles with the police. But now I am able to trade freely and make plans to grow my business,” said Mrs Dhliwayo.
Mrs Gracious Chikonyora (39) who used to sell on the street pavements in the city centre, said that the new shopping mall had accorded former illegal traders a good working environment.
“I am happy because I am now working in an area that has got a shade and toilets. In the streets we were exposed to bad weather as well as unhygienic conditions which exposed us to diseases,” said an excited Mrs Chikonyora.
The Empowerment Mall mainly caters for women as well as youths.
Ms Primrose Mangachena (24), one of the youths occupying a table in the mall, thanked the Government for providing opportunities to women and the youths.
“We really appreciate the efforts by the Government which have given us an opportunity to trade in a safe and secure environment.
“The country is facing challenges of drug abuse and I believe the creation of more places like this one will take many youths off the streets thereby eliminating the vice of drug abuse,” said Ms Mangachena.
Mr Kays Kapungu (20), who lives in Kuwadzana, concurred with Mangachena, saying that the opening of new trading spaces was a move in the right direction.
“Many youths are unemployed which is leading them to abuse drugs. The opening of new trading spaces such as this one is really empowering the unemployed youths so that they do not end up engaging in drug abuse due to idleness,” said Mr Kapungu.
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