Mbare Narket fire sparks outrage as City awards US$200K contract without going to tender

The Zimbabwean government, along with the City of Harare, has awarded a contract worth US$200,000 to Masimba Holdings Limited for the construction of a temporary site for the Mbare Traders Market.

This decision was made without going through a formal tender process. The original market was destroyed by a fire last month, leaving over 4,500 traders without a place to work and resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

In response to this disaster, the government acted quickly to support the affected traders and promised to create modern market facilities that would help boost tax revenue from local businesses.

At a recent media briefing after a cabinet meeting, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe referred to the fire as a “blessing in disguise,” suggesting that it provided an opportunity to improve the market infrastructure.

The handover ceremony for the temporary site took place with several key officials present, including Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, Harare Metropolitan Province Minister Charles Tavengwa, Women’s Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, and various city councillors.

This gathering highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the traders and revitalizing the market area.

When asked about how Masimba Holdings was chosen for this project without a tender process, Mayor Mafume explained that the situation was urgent.

He stated, “This was an emergency, declared a national disaster by cabinet, so there was no tendering. The focus was on quick, efficient execution to avoid delays.” This response indicates that the government prioritized speed over formal procedures in this case.

Masimba Holdings Limited, previously known as Murray and Roberts Limited, is one of Zimbabwe’s leading engineering and infrastructure companies. It is involved in various sectors including agriculture, commercial projects, and transport services. The company’s experience in these areas makes it a suitable choice for rebuilding the market.

During the ceremony, Minister Mutsvangwa mentioned that around US$2 million circulates daily within the Mbare market. However, her comment drew criticism from some traders who felt that their challenges were not being fully acknowledged. The mention of such a large sum highlighted the economic importance of the market but also underscored the struggles faced by those who lost their livelihoods due to the fire.

The rebuilding of the Mbare Traders Market is seen as crucial not only for the traders who rely on it for their income but also for revitalizing local commerce in Harare. The government’s initiative aims to create better facilities that can accommodate more traders and provide improved services for customers.

As work begins on constructing the temporary site, there is hope among traders that this new development will lead to a more stable and profitable environment once they are able to return.

The swift action taken by the government reflects its recognition of the market’s significance in supporting local businesses and contributing to the economy.