Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure and Tendai Gukutikwa
THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has injected US$1 million into the construction of the long awaited Sakubva Industrial Hub, signalling renewed momentum for the flagship urban renewal project after delays linked to a dispute with the initial contractor.
The US$6 million project this week entered a fresh phase, with the contract to build the main site at Murahwa People’s Green Market retendered.
The initial contractor was dismissed following operational challenges, and new bids must be submitted by May 8.
The move marks a renewed push to break ground on one of Mutare’s most anticipated infrastructure developments.
Launched in December 2019 by President Mnangagwa, the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project aims to modernise the ageing Sakubva high density suburb and transform Mutare into a Smart City in line with Government’s Vision 2030.
The initiative is being driven by Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mutare City Council, and NSSA, which are jointly implementing the Sakubva Industrial Hub.
“Sakubva Industrial Hub is inviting suitably qualified and reputable bidders to participate in the following tenders: BID REF: SIH/05/26 — Retender: Construction of Sakubva Green Market — Main site. Enquiries relating to the bidding process may be addressed to the Procurement Management Unit, NSSA Mutare Building, or on [email protected] on or before May 4, 2026,” reads part of the advert in our sister publication, The Sunday Mail.
Tender documents are obtainable free from the electronic Government portal https://egp.praz.org.zw, and must also be submitted online through e-GP on or before the closing date.
NSSA general manager, Dr Charles Shava, on Wednesday confirmed that the pension fund has so far injected US$1 million into Sakubva Industrial Hub SIB), and cautioned that delays should be expected for a project of that magnitude.
He said strict due diligence standards had to be adhered to in order to ensure procurement transparency and value for money.
Dr Shava said the SIH, a Special Purpose Vehicle, has its own board of directors and management, including representatives from NSSA and Mutare City Council, who frequently update shareholder organisations on the progress.
“So far about US$1 million has been injected into the project for initial works to get it running — setting up the new site where the traders will be temporarily housed as well as the procurement of vehicles, ICT equipment, office furniture and a multi-disciplinary consultant. Funds are tied to specific milestones and the procurement process is guided by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. The issues of transparency and value for money are all captured in the procurement process. For transparency, the tender is advertised in the public domain and submission of bids is done electronically through the PRAZ website.
“With regard to value for money, every bid has a standard bidding document with bills of quantities specifying materials and costs, and the most economically advantageous tender will be selected in the process. Timely delivery is captured through submitted work schedules or programmes of work that must be adhered to,” said Dr Shava, adding that NSSA is also funding the Special Purpose Vehicle’s relocation activities.
Dr Shava said continuous stakeholder engagement is of paramount importance to ensure integration and connectivity in the execution of the project so that further delays are avoided.
“The SPV, which is a joint venture between NSSA and City of Mutare, shall ensure that the investors, NSSA, earn a commercial return through competitive rentals as well as achieving social impact.
“The social impact entails prioritisation of the relocated SMEs back into the Sakubva Industrial Hub. The product of the SPV is premised on a sustainable model. The aspect of tenant management and repairs and maintenance shall be handled by the SPV as a going concern. NSSA will ensure that, as a condition of operating within the hub, the SME will have to be registered with NSSA and meet other statutory compliances,” said Dr Shava.
SIH board chairman, Dr Kenneth Maregere, resigned this week, citing work commitments forcing him to leave Mutare.
Efforts to get a comment from Mutare Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka, who had recently envisaged the new facility would be completed in November 2026, were fruitless as he was unavailable.
SIH site engineer, Engineer Rachel Nyasha Magoshongwe, confirmed the job retendering.
“For the main works at the Murahwa Green Market, we are trying to engage a contractor to do the construction, and we are currently accepting tenders. The tender is still open and is still accepting submissions. In terms of our tendering process, we follow the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
‘‘So we have to work within the framework. Previously we had a tender in February, and after submission, we had to cancel the tender. I can’t discuss the cancellation details, but we were instructed by PRAZ to cancel it. It was just an administrative process,” she said, adding that the planned completion timeline is eight months from the date of engagement of the contractor.
SIH last year invited bidders for the procurement of motor vehicles, new ICT equipment, office furniture, construction of a temporary relocation site, and an expression of interest by a multi-disciplinary consultant to provide architectural and engineering services for the production of Sakubva Green Market layouts, engineering designs and BOQs for the works.
However, five months after traders were expected to relocate to a temporary site near Quest Motors to pave way for ground
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clearance, the move remains on hold amid concerns that the relocation area is still not ready for occupation.
When plans were first announced late last year, traders were told they will temporarily move to a site near Quest Motors, while the old Green Market will be demolished to pave way for ground clearance.
The delay has left hundreds of traders operating from the ageing Green Market premises under a cloud of uncertainty.
Sakubva Green Market chairman, Mr Earnest Muchakuya, said major construction work at the site can only begin once traders have been successfully relocated.
He said traders had initially welcomed the relocation plan, but raised conditions they felt were necessary before any move could take place.
“Indeed, we were meant to move to the temporary site to ensure that work starts for the Sakubva Industrial Hub. However, at that time as traders, we had demands that were meant to be met, like a security fence to secure the site, which will ensure that our products and machinery will be safe.
‘‘The other condition we had was that gravel roads be put and compacted because it was during the rainy season. We could not work in muddy conditions. Council said they would look into the issues,” he said, adding that sanitation concerns had also remained unresolved as the second batch of toilets is yet to be built and electrification is still incomplete.
“Council also told us that they were instructed to add more toilets at the site, as the toilets they built were too few for the number of people who will be using them. Another issue is power at the area, and they are working to connect it. We were supposed to move to the temporary site on April 1, but we recently received a letter from the council’s Housing and Social Services Department instructing us to remain where we are until further notice and no reasons were cited,” he said.
Mr Muchakuya said while traders were relieved to continue operating at their current premises for now, lack of a firm relocation timeline is creating confusion and making business planning difficult.
Since vaMunangagwa became president 2017. He has always aimed at destroying the Green Market. He gives his hatred for it, good names like urban renewal, Industrial Hub etc. The people there don’t want it why forcing it on people. For this reason I think let there be elections in 2028 and people should vote in va Chiwenga his depute. Around 2020 our Lord sent covid which prevented him from moving forward .Green Mkt rambai makashinga refuse to be moved around.