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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE Rural District Council in partnership with a development partner, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has begun the construction of the state-of-the-art Jopa Women Safe Market.
The vending mall is expected to be complete in June and will accommodate 156 vendors.
Of late, Jopa has become a hive of activity as vendors and farmers from Chimanimani and Chipinge districts throng the area to sell their fruits and fresh farm produce.
Jopa links Chimanimani, Birchenough and Chipinge.
In an interview, Chipinge RDC administrator, Mr Takesure Maduveko said the project seeks to improve the safety of vendors at Jopa Market.
“Jopa Market is one of the busiest vending markets in the district where farmers and motorists converge and trade. The vending mall will also help farmers as they will have a safe place to store their produce,” said Mr Maduveko.
He said the local authority availed the land, while UNOPS will sponsor the construction project.
“A contractor, RealQuote Construction is already on the site and work has started. We are happy that women empowerment is being realised as the company is recruiting women to work on this project. The vending market is expected to be complete in June,” he said.
Vendors at Jopa welcomed the development and said the project will go a long way in empowering them.
“This area is strategic for business because it is a busy road that links Chimanimani, Chipinge and Birchenough Bridge.
“The new infrastructure will help us to stock a wide range of fruits and vegetables. It will also protect us from the vagaries of weather. We are grateful to the local authority and UNOPS for remembering us,” said Ms Chipo Mtisi.
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