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Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Government has given Gweru City Council a two-week ultimatum to complete the construction of vending stalls and ablution blocks at Mtapa market.

The city fathers stand accused of failing to implement the construction of the new Mtapa despite timely disbursement of the necessary material.

Last year, vendors operating at Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus and Kombayi fresh produce markets complied with a directive to move their wares and pave the way for the renovation of the markets.

Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus, after renovations, will only accommodate buses, travellers and traders selling refreshments.

Those selling clothes and fresh produce will be housed at Mtapa market.

It has been over seven months since the vendors and small business operators moved to Mtapa market where they are operating in the open without any form of shelter.

There are more than 400 vendors specialising in fresh produce and more than 600 selling different items.

The market has no running water, ablution facilities, vending stalls, vending bays and the vendors leave their produce and wares in the open praying that no one steals them at night.

The vendors don’t observe Covid-19 regulations such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

There are also no ablution facilities at the vending site.

The Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Daniel Garwe visited the site and was shocked to discover that works have not started despite the availing of all the required material for the project in March this year.

“I am actually shocked at what these guys are up to. We have said if they can’t deliver in the next two weeks then we will move in as Government through my ministry and provide the necessary works.

“We came here as a ministerial delegation and did a ground breaking ceremony but up to now there is nothing. This can’t continue to go on as this is not the way of doing business under the Second Republic,” fumed the Minister.

“There ought to have been some form of progress but there is nothing and if they fail to deliver in two weeks, we are taking over.”
In an interview, acting Town Clerk Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe said delays had been caused by the unavailability of workers.

He said council had gone through the normal processes of engaging employees adding that this week, works at Mtapa market will commence.

“We had a shortage of builders and as Government policy, we don’t just recruit from the streets.

“We have to go through the Ministry of Labour and that is what we have been doing. I am glad that the employees have been engaged and they are going to start this week,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chikwekwe said the Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus which was contracted to a private player is now 95 percent complete with workers on the site indicating that all works will be finalised in three weeks’ time.

“Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus is almost through, they are at about 95percent and soon it will be opened to buses and vendors,” he said.

Part of Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus would be converted into a Zupco rank for local routes.