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The council business committee agreed to award the tender to the Lebanese firm at its recent meeting and now awaits full council approval. Shawasha Grounds are popular sports grounds that gave birth to such boxing
legends as Tar Baby and Kilimanjaro and saw the rise of professional soccer with teams such as BAT Ramblers and Metal Box honing their skills there.
“Council approves the joint venture project between City of Harare and Consortio International of Lebanon for the construction of Shawasha Complex in Mbare (Mupedzanhamo 2),” read part of the minutes to be approved by full council before the end of the month.
Five investors responded to calls for proposals by the city. According to the minutes, town planning approval processes are underway as the city works to speed up the project.
Business committee chairman Councillor Thomas Muzuva confirmed that his committee had discussed the matter and it awaits full council endorsement.
“Shareholding in the joint venture would be determined by the value of our land and the labour input from the city,” he said.
Town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi also confirmed the deal.
“They are bringing in their engineer who is going to work with our engineers to determine the number of floors and where parking facilities should be. Either underground or on top,” he said.
He said construction is expected to start in January or February next year.
“The project is big. We are going forward. We will be able to house more than 1 000 traders,” he said.
Council has been under pressure from Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo over the construction of the market.
Traders have also been exerting pressure on the city fathers to speed up construction following a number of running battles over the control of the existing vending stalls in the old market.
At one time, lives were lost as traders from rival political parties fought over control of the market, situated in a busy and convenient place for both city residents and travellers.
Online Reporter