By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE long-overdue new bulk market project in Beitbridge is beginning to show signs of progress, with the municipality confirming that fencing has been completed and construction of toilet facilities has commenced.
Construction of the project started earlier this year.
Vendors currently operating at the Tshitaudze Flea Market expected to relocate to the new facility.
The vendors are presently trading in an area earmarked for the development of the new Central Business District (CBD).
Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta told Ziyah News Network on Monday that fencing at the new market was complete, while construction of the toilets had started.
“Fencing is done. We have started on the construction of the toilets at the New Mangava Market,” said Mayor Mafuta.
The new facility is located in Beitbridge’s Medium Density suburb, on a stand previously set aside for a stadium.
The development comes against the background of longstanding infrastructure challenges at the existing market, where inadequate facilities, particularly the lack of proper ablution facilities, have created sanitation challenges for both traders and customers.
The new facility is expected to provide a more organised and structured trading environment, with improved infrastructure and better sanitation facilities.
Once completed, the market is expected to offer traders a more suitable operating environment while improving the overall conditions under which fresh produce is bought and sold.
However, despite the latest developments, the project remains long overdue, with residents and traders looking forward to its completion and eventual opening.
While the completion of fencing and commencement of toilet construction are welcome developments, questions remain over the outstanding works, the project’s completion timeline and when traders will finally be able to occupy the new facility.
The municipality is now expected to maintain momentum and ensure that the remaining construction work is completed without further delays.
For traders who have endured years of inadequate market infrastructure, the completion of the New Mangava Market would represent an important step towards improving trading conditions, sanitation and service delivery in Beitbridge.