By Patience Gondo
THE Municipality of Beitbridge (MoB) Environmental Management and Works Committee has recommended for a formal site inspection to facilitate the relocation of the Tshitaudze “Speed” Bulk Market to another location, but are already facing resistence.
The new proposed area is in the medium density and residence of that area believe a bulk market will devalue their houses.
And yet MoB has no time considering a developer of the proposed new Central Business District (CBD) comes to the current site of Speed on April 20 to start developing.
The committee is seeking to amend stand number 7143 on layout GE97 and site plan GA 897 previously designated for a stadium to create a dedicated bulk market hub.
The proposal involves inviting the Department of Spatial Planning and Development to inspect the site and oversee the creation and title surveying of three new stands.
Ward 4 Councillor Emmanuel Takutaku advocated for the transition, saying the dire conditions currently faced by traders at the temporary Tshitaudze Shopping Centre (Mashavire) site.
He said because the current land is not council owned, the local authority has been unable to install permanent infrastructure.
“Our bulk market is operating from an area which is not ours,”
“We can’t put permanent toilets or shades and traders complain every day of the scorching sun and the rains. By moving to a permanent place, we will build once and provide all necessary requirements, including toilets, well built stalls with shades and water.”
The urgency of the relocation is further underscored by upcoming developments, as a private developer is scheduled to service the current Mashavire area as part of the city’s extended Central Business District (CBD).
While the move offers a solution for the market, the committee also took note of the historical and social context of the area.
Ward 3 Councillor Takavingei Mahachi shared feedback from the community, saying residents near the Mabidi low density area are not comfortable with having a market rank within a medium-density suburb.
According to Mahachi, residents recalled a 2013 discussion involving the late Dr. Singo, where the community was led to believe that the council would explore alternative sites for such commercial activities.
Adding to the discussion on the site’s suitability, Women’s Quota Councillor Brenda Maworere pointed out the importance of maintaining residential standards.
She said introducing a bulk market to a medium density suburb could potentially impact the perceived value of the properties and the investment made by residents who built homes in the area.