By Costa Nkomo
The flames that engulfed Mbare Musika last week, delivering a devastating blow to thousands of traders, have prompted an unexpected response from the government.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said the government will take the opportunity to transform the iconic marketplace into a modern, tax-compliant hub.
The inferno, which left more than 4 000 traders facing losses estimated at US$20 million, has caused widespread despair. Yet, Minister Garwe views the tragedy as a catalyst for change.
“The fire, as tragic as it is,” he remarked, “has created a significant opportunity for the Zimbabwean government to design and build sustainable infrastructure where traders can pay their rates to local authorities and fulfill their tax obligations.”
He noted the market’s economic importance, stating, “We all know that Mbare traders were generating over US$2 million per day.”
The government’s vision is to establish a new market where tax evasion will be nearly impossible. Garwe added, “We want infrastructure where it will be very difficult for traders to avoid paying tax and rates.”
According to Garwe, the proposed market will not only be tax-compliant but also “well-governed,” enabling traders to operate “in a modern and orderly manner.”
Construction is set to begin by the end of the year, with a grand opening planned for mid-2025.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Mbare Musika fire a state of disaster, mobilising resources to rebuild the market and support affected traders.
This initiative also includes a complete renovation of Glenview 8 Market, Harare’s largest furniture hub, with a focus on fireproofing and tax compliance.
