George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), has proposed that the recent fire at Mbare Musika should be viewed as an opportunity to restructure Zimbabwe’s largest informal market.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday night, destroyed numerous stalls and merchandise, leaving many traders in distress. The aftermath was a scene of devastation, with shattered pottery, charred bags of sugar beans, remnants of kapenta fish, and pieces of solar panels scattered throughout the area.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine how it started.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this Thursday, Charamba suggested that Mbare Musika should be reorganized to provide better facilities for traders.
He proposed the implementation of point-of-sale (POS) systems connected to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at each stall. This integration would ensure that informal traders contribute to the national tax system.
Additionally, Charamba emphasized the need for improved lighting throughout the market to enhance safety and security, as well as to create new revenue opportunities by extending trading hours and attracting more customers.
He stated that reorganizing Mbare Musika for better accessibility would greatly benefit its extensive clientele. Charamba also mentioned the possibility of involving the military in constructing new facilities around the market, contingent upon the demolition of Matapi flats, to facilitate a new housing program.
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