Bongani Ndlovu
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
THE Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, Mr Stephane Rey, last Thursday toured the Highlanders traders’ market site in Bulawayo where the Swiss government has availed US$200 000 towards the revamp and construction of a safe trading shed.
The funding, provided through the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), is aimed at improving working conditions for informal traders and strengthening inclusive urban development initiatives in the city.
Initially, the funds had been earmarked for infrastructural development at the proposed Bhaktas Market situated at the intersection of Lobengula Street and First Avenue.
However, the estimated cost of the Bhaktas Market project stood at US$4,8 million, far beyond the available funding.
The City of Bulawayo later resolved to redirect the funds towards the Highlanders traders’ site, which urgently required upgrading to attain safe and resilient market standards.
Mr Rey was accompanied during the tour by Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, the Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Simon Sawunyama, representing Minister Judith Ncube, councillors and other development partners.
Speaking after the tour, Ambassador Rey reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting inclusive urban development and improving livelihoods in Bulawayo.
“I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe and the City of Bulawayo for the cordial partnership that continues to define our cooperation. Switzerland values the mutual respect and shared purpose that characterises our engagement,” he said.
“I also commend Dan Church Aid, our implementing partner, for their vital work. Today is about more than infrastructure. It is about people, it is about dignity and above all, it is about recognising the extraordinary resilience of this city.”
Ambassador Rey said Bulawayo’s resilience was particularly evident within the informal sector, which has become a critical pillar of the city’s economy.
“That resilience is especially visible in the informal sector, which today contributes approximately 58 percent of employment in the city and supports nearly 50 000 traders and their families. So, these are not statistics. It is about mothers, fathers and young people striving to provide for their children and communities amidst various challenges,” he said.
“Informal traders are not operating at the margins of society. They are indispensable to Zimbabwe’s urban economic fabric. Their contribution to food security, employment and economic circulation deserves recognition, support and respect. Switzerland recognises this reality that is why we are supporting the Highlanders Safe Market Initiative with US$200 000.”
Bulawayo Mayor Clr Coltart expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continued support, saying the partnership reflects a shared vision of improving livelihoods for traders operating under difficult conditions.
“We are grateful for the role that Switzerland has played, not only have they been generous financially, but have also demonstrated their commitment in wider ways,” he said.
The Mayor said council’s broader vision was to establish decent trading markets on the outskirts of the city as part of efforts to decongest the central business district and improve working conditions for vendors.
“There is proliferation of vendors down 5th and 6th Avenues. The vendors themselves work in extremely unsavoury conditions. They have to confront the elements such as blazing hot sun, rain and freezing cold. Sixty-four percent of our vendors are women,” he said.
“Our policy as a city has been to say, we do not want to come in with tear gas and batons to force people out who are literally trying to earn an honest wage. What we need to do is construct markets on the periphery of the city so that they have got attractive alternatives to go to.”
The Highlanders Safe Market Initiative is expected to improve safety, hygiene and trading conditions for vendors while promoting sustainable urban development in Bulawayo.
derick.khumalo