Bulawayo vegetable market needs help to get going
Plans to construct the market, which is essentially a community initiative, were first mooted in 2006. At that time, former Councillor, Mr. Fanny Dube, responding to residents’ concerns, approached an international donor agency with a proposal for the market’s establishment. Because of the absence of such a facility in the locality, residents were forced to travel long distances into the city centre, or surrounding farming areas, in order to purchase fresh produce. Cllr. Dube’s pleas were rewarded when the donor, on learning about this particular plight, released funds for the purchase of building materials needed for the proposed project. The required materials were duly bought, but due to lack of money to pay a quantity surveyor and other necessary skilled staff, construction of the market was stalled.
Concerned about the delay, which had lasted several years, the donor indicated that materials would have to be repossessed, hence the incumbent’s move to revive the scheme. As a means of meeting the challenge, Cllr. Zana approached Team ZDDT, a reputable and long standing partner involved with local authorities, Councillors and residents, in Community restoration initiatives. The move prompted production of this article, which is part of the Trust’s Social institutions Profiling Programme that seeks to provide exposure for the plights of institutions as well as individuals.
Speaking during a tour of the site where the building materials concerned are stored, Cllr. Zana made a plea to donor institutions and the business sector for assistance that would be essential to the market project’s survival. “It worries me that the project might be taken away from the Ward because of funding challenges. This may result in our inability to pay for skills needed. I wish to make a special appeal to willing donors to come forward with the required assistance,” he said.
An interesting factor about the proposed scheme is that Councillors from adjoining Wards 27 and 17, Cllrs. Siboniso Khumalo and Ephraim Ncube respectively, have rallied with Cllr. Zana by offering their assistance. This move on the part of the Councillors concerned, demonstrates an excellent example of the characteristic sense of cooperation which exists among local Councillors in the city.
The three Councillors are currently mobilising residents in their Wards in anticipation of restarting work on the project. Although there are indications that their efforts may have a good chance of succeeding, the aspect of lack of funding still looms threateningly.
Making an impassioned appeal to well wishers for assistance, Cllr. Zana said; “Because of adverse economic factors that have prevailed over the past decade, many people of this neighbourhood have lost employment and are therefore being deprived of a decent means to a living. The project would undoubtedly substantially contribute to addressing this particular challenge. I appeal to all concerned well-wishers to come forward an assist in the best possible way.”
Any concerned well-wishers willing to make a contribution to this worthy humanitarian cause may do so by contacting the following:
The Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust,
12a Park Road, Bulawayo. Zimbabwe.
Telephone: +263 – 9 – 232616.
Email: