Mupedzanhamo market to reopen

Traders are heaving a heavy sigh of relief following indications that the Mupedzanhamo market is set to open next week. This comes after ten weeks of inactivity at Mbare’s largest second hand clothing market. The market had been shut down in March to curb the spread of the corona virus.

Recently, workmen were seen doing some final touch ups to the venue in preparation for the reopening. They could be seen fixing panels of the precast concrete wall around the market, which is one of the conditions set by the Harare city council before the market reopens.

Mupedzanhamo market had been left behind after the vendor’s market for vegetables and the informal industry received early exemptions. Those who wish to sell at the market will however have to comply with the set rules for registration and also adhere to the rules of compulsory mask wearing, social distancing and personal hygiene for both themselves and their customers.

Most people were crying foul over the closure of the market where they could access cheap, second hand clothes at reasonable prices. The biting cold of the winter also made most people to reflect on the warm winter clothing they could buy at the market unlike in shops where tracksuits and shoes are coating an arm and a leg.

Chairman of Mupedzanhamo Traders Committee Mr Charles Marufu revealed that they expected to go back to work next week. He also stated,”We are already registered. We were already paying money to council and that has not changed. We engaged council informing them of our intention to reopen and they gave us conditions, which we are in the process of satisfying”. Mupedzanhamo has become a convenient hub for most people as they can get cheap clothes as well as buy clothes for resale. With the high rate of unemployment in the country, such trading has become a source of livelihood for many