$30m Mbare mall ready to take off
HARARE City Council and its partner Consortio International Zimbabwe are finally set to construct the much awaited $30 million multi-purpose business complex at Shawasha Grounds in Mbare.
The development has in the past faced resistance from politicians and space barons in Mbare who are benefiting from leasing trading areas at Mupedzanhamo Flea Market and surrounding areas as the project will include a state-of-the-art flea market to accommodate six thousand informal traders.
They fear that it will jeopardise their dealings.
Other key components of the multi-purpose complex are a modern shopping mall to accommodate banks, supermarkets, food courts, traditional meal canteens and other support structures.
A multi-purpose sports facility consisting basketball and tennis courts and a five-a-side soccer to cater for recreational needs.
Acting town clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango on Thursday confirmed the development said it is one of the several lined up and part of council’s plan to develop Harare into a world-class city.
“Yes there is a complex that is coming up at Shawasha Grounds. It will be a shopping centre with facilities for vendors.
“It is going to be a huge project that is coming up. What we are looking at is the overall re-generation of Mbare,” he said.
“We will also look at building houses, some flats in Mbare and other open spaces that are there. We are starting with Shawasha as a nucleus for the development.
The developer that we are working with has already put up a billboard with the plans of the development in Mbare.”
Eng Chisango said the city together with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing were planning a ground breaking ceremony in the next two to three weeks to kick-start the project.
He said the development will also pave way to the regeneration of Mupedzanhamo Flea Market adding that there were also some developments earmarked for Rufaro Stadium.
A joint venture agreement was concluded for the construction of Shawasha business complex in 2014 following a council resolution.
Phase one of the project involves the construction of 6 000 Flea Market kiosks and parking lot while phase two comprises the construction of a modern shopping mall and indoor sport facilities.
The city’s partner Consortio was ready to go on site and tried twice this year to take possession but was driven away by persons allegedly sent “by senior Government officials.”
Council feels including its parent ministry in the developments will address the issue.