Mupedzanhamo market to re-open

Residents have called for the re-opening of Mupedzanhamo flea market to curb serious chaos surrounding the area.
The market, famous for vendors selling bales of second hand clothes commonly referred to as mabhero closed at the height of Covid-19 and has been facing serious challenges to re-open due to space barons that are competing to take control of the market.

0pposition political parties officials are also being reported to be tussling to control the market which they want to use as a war chest ahead the by-elections set for next year.

Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said the market should be reopened.

“Those who previously occupied tables must be restored to their respective tables.

However, no individual must be allowed to own more than one table.

“The City of Harare should ensure that the facility is spruced up for the greater convenience of tenants and shoppers.
“During the rainy season that place is horrible. The City of Harare must have total control of the Mupedzanhamo Flea Market, charge reasonable prices and be able to collect their revenue in full,” he said.

Mr Shumba said the partisan political fights that have always accompanied operations at the flea market should be ended so that it becomes a purely business place for all people.

Combined Harare Residents Association programmes manager Mr Ruben Akili said adequate measures must be put in place to allow the opening of the market.

“Our expectations is that a transparent registration process must or should have been conducted and followed by allocation of the vending stalls or spaces. The prolonged closure of the market has seen emergency of traders on road sides especially areas surrounding the market.

“The council must be in charge of the market not space barons.
“A code guiding or governing markets must be in place and be followed to deal with subletting and non payment of market fees.

“The re-opening of the market has been and is overdue however, systems must be put in place first to avoid the mistakes of the past,” he said.-The Herald