The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
CONSTRUCTION of trendy wholesale vegetable market stalls in Mutare and Chipinge is progressing well as farmers and vendors witnessed the official opening of Mukwena Market in Dangamvura today (Thursday).
More than 20 small vending points and two wholesale vegetable selling points have so far been constructed around Mutare.
With a total budget of US$456 903 for the construction of small vending points and wholesale vegetable markets in Mutare and Chipinge, the project is being funded by the Russian Embassy and UNDP.
The cost for the Mukwena Market is US$73 952.
Officially opening the new vegetable market in Dangamvura, City of Mutare’s Deputy Housing and Community Services Director, Mr Nowel Mushangwe said the initiative is meant to alleviate illegal vending challenges as well as assist in providing sustainable livelihoods.
“As we continue working on the construction of these markets we should also be aware that we are solving the problem of vending from illegal and unhygienic points. The wholesale vegetable markets will assist farmers with smart and authorised places of reaching out to vegetable retailers.
“It is crucial to note that this is also in line with the smart city concept that Government is pushing towards achieving. We are also mindful of the fact that these markets will provide a platform for sustainable livelihoods for those that will be able to transact in these markets,” said Mr Mushangwe.
Speaking at the same occasion, Administrative Officer in the Mutare District Development Coordinator’s Office, Mrs Chido Madzivire called on residents to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism.
“We strongly urge those who reside in areas near this market, as well as other markets around the city to jealously guard the infrastructure. It will be sad when we pass by this place to see water taps or the fence having been vandalised. This is your property as a community and we all need to be active in protecting this place,” she said.
Mutare Informal Traders Association president, Mr Itai Kariparire urged stakeholders not to politicise operations of the market stalls being constructed around the city.
He urged stakeholders to respect the rights of women in both the allocation of tables as well as day-to-day operations.
“We, as informal traders, want to make it clear that we are not for politics, but development. We hope this message will sink into the heads of those who will be responsible for the allocation of tables as well as the day-to-day operations of these market stalls.
“In the same breadth, we hope we will not have these market stalls being vehicles for rapists and those bent on abusing women. We do not want to hear people demanding favours from women so that they can get a table here,” said Mr Kariparire.
