Latwell Nyangu
GOVERNMENT has put in place a response and recovery plan, under the Building Back Better programme, and will intervene through a number of initiatives in the aftermath of the Mbare Musika Traders Market Fire Disaster.
The work on the reconstruction of the new Mbare Musika Traders Market is expected to take seven months to complete.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said, an assessment carried out by the Government established that a total of 4 695 traders (1 511 stall operators and 3 184 lessees) were directly affected by the disaster.
It has had a negative bearing on the livelihoods of 23 000 people.
“As part of the re-organisation of the Mbare Musika Traders Market following the declaration of a State of Disaster by His Excellency the President on 14 October, 2024, in the aftermath of the Mbare Fire Disaster, Government has put in place a response and recovery plan under the Building Back Better programme.
“The Government will intervene through a number of initiatives, which include the following:
Provision of immediate relief in the form of livelihood support (safety nets) such as cash transfers, payment of school fees and psychosocial support and child protection.
Immediate resuscitation of businesses through loans, grants and other stimulus packages to assist traders with restocking of goods.
Provision of alternative and conducive workspace-the Harare City Council has offered the open space opposite Carter House as an alternative while reconstruction is taking place.
Economic empowerment programmes that support stakeholders in rebuilding their businesses and promoting economic stability.
Upgrading market infrastructure to densification using two or three storey buildings and enhancing emergency response systems to prevent future fire disasters (long term).”
Dr Muswere added:
“A three floor model design is being proposed at the Mbare Musika Traders Market whereby businesses will be classified and accommodated on all the three levels.
“The reconstructed main market will accommodate at least 10 000 traders. Work on the reconstruction of the new Mbare Musika Traders Market is expected to take seven months to complete, effective November 2024.
“The Mbare Musika Traders Market project will serve to pilot the Smart Market concept. The objective of the Smart Market concept is the enhancement of the trading environment through provision of safe and modern facilities.”
Dr Muswere said Cabinet also considered a report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Transfer Programme as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo.
“The nation is informed that under the 2nd Blitz Food distribution, a cumulative total of 94 527.64 metric tonnes has been moved across the nation as at 22nd October, 2024, out of the expected 139 854. 94 metric tonnes of cereal which translates to 62.7% coverage.
“The grain was distributed to vulnerable and food insecure people across the country’s provinces as follows:
- a) Manicaland, 17 443. 58 metric tonnes;
- b) Mashonaland Central, 10 276.49 metric tonnes;
- c) Mashonaland East,17 525.21 metric tonnes;
- d) Mashonaland West, 10 987. 69 metric tonnes;
- e) Masvingo, 12 380.14 metric tonnes;
- f) Matabeleland North, 8 605.99 metric tonnes;
- g) Matabeleland South, 6 460.64 metric tonnes; and
- h) Midlands, 10 847.90 metric tonnes.
“Furthermore, a total of 4 362.51 metric tonnes has been collected to date by Chiefs across all provinces under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi Strategic Grain Reserve Distribution Programme.
“Disbursement of funds to beneficiaries with correct details has since commenced under the Urban Cash for cereal Programme and a total of 28 726 beneficiaries have been reached with cash disbursements as at 28th October 2024.
“Under the School Feeding Programme, a cumulative total of 17 250.80 metric tonnes mealie-meal/ maize grain had been collected as at 25th October, 2024.”