Zimbabweans Fume as Government Sends Delegation to Russia for Mbare Market Redesign
Zimbabweans are seething with anger after the government sent a high-level delegation to Kazan, Russia, for a technical exchange program to inform the redesign of the Mbare Musika Traders Market into a modern facility.
The delegation, led by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, includes Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, National Housing Minister Zhemu Soda, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, technical experts, and senior government officials.
Government Sends Delegation to Russia for Mbare Market Redesign
The visit follows a directive from President Emmerson Mnangagwa to accelerate the remodelling of Mbare Musika after a devastating fire last year. Speaking to ZBC News, Minister Garwe said the trip aligns with the “build-back-better” initiative and will benchmark standards for the new facility.
Meanwhile, Masimba Holdings is constructing a temporary market at the site, with completion now at 82%. Traders are expected to occupy the space by February 1.
Also read: What You Should Know About The Mbare Traders Market Reconstruction Plan
Zimbos Fume
When ZBC News shared the delegation’s trip on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, many Zimbabweans criticized the decision, calling it an unnecessary expense in an already struggling economy. Critics argued that local professionals could handle the project without the need for international benchmarking.
Here’s how some reacted:
@dsundire:
Local architects can do a good job that espouses the unique trading and shopping experiences of Zimbabweans
@Vatsunga000:
Serious leadership would have noted that there are so many qualified, skilled and experienced professionals who could design and build Mbare market. Kungoda kutisekesa nevarungu chete.
@Misheck69905046:
High powered delegation just for the design of a modern day musika? Surely we can’t be so reckless and playful. Is there a time we really consider the costs as a major factor in our always in comatose economy?
@RaysGoneTru:
Waste of money. All that had to be done was a google and youtube search, get the preferred concept, give it to local engineers and architects to design
@TramsUK:
How will it be redesigned when you have said construction is now at an advanced stage?
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