ZCDC partners Mutare City to renovate Sakubva Musika
THE Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has entered a partnership with Mutare City Council to renovate Sakubva Musika as a way of restoring order and sanitation at the market, an official has said.
The renovations are part of ZCDC’s corporate responsibility programme for Mutare residents and are aimed at transforming the market to world class status. Mutare City Council public relations officer Mr Spren Mutiwi confirmed the development.
“The project of renovating the Sakubva Produce Market started recently and the aim is to align the market with world class standards, as well as address sanitary challenges, which have been associated with the area,” said Mr Mutiwi.
He, however, refused to commit to a timeline for the project’s completion raising concerns from vendors that it might take longer than expected.
Stakeholders such as Mutare Vendors’ Association welcomed this development saying the project would be instrumental in providing the market with a facelift, as well as help to prevent health hazards.
“Renovations will include resurfacing, putting up new sheds and fencing off the area”, he said.
Mukono also lauded the idea of having a durawall around the market saying it would help keep out touts that disturb the smooth flow of business.
Sources privy to the project told this paper that ZCDC in its quest to enhance transparency in the use of funds and curb embezzlement of the fund by beneficiaries had opted to pay directly to suppliers of raw materials and other material.
When The Herald crew visited the area, Mutare City Council workers were busy preparing the ground for the renovations.
Vendors using the market, however, said although the programme was noble, they were still sceptical on the implementers’ capacity to meet their set deadline for completion.
“We are worried because council usu- ally takes long to finish projects. This authority usually fails to meet deadlines and is always shifting the goalposts,” a vendor, Muneyi Gucha, said.
Some vendors are currently selling their wares outside the market perimeter fence, while others are still accommodated in existing structures where they are overcrowded. The market accommodates about 400 vendors.