By Caroline Washaya Moyo
MARONDERA — The Municipality of Marondera has commissioned a new First Street Market and rank as the town intensifies efforts to bring order to its Central Business District (CBD) while strengthening preparations for city status.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, commissioned the facility, which is designed to meet growing demand for formal vending space and designated pick-up and drop-off points for commuter omnibuses.
The opening comes as local authorities face mounting pressure to provide designated trading areas following the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ blanket directive against illegal vending across the country.
Rather than leaving traders without alternatives, Marondera is seeking to formalise informal economic activity by providing designated spaces where vendors can operate within the municipal framework.
The First Street Market and rank are part of Council’s efforts to formalise vending, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve the organisation of public transport within the town.
The market provides traders with designated operating spaces, while the rank creates defined areas for commuter omnibuses to pick up and drop off passengers.
The arrangement is expected to ease congestion, improve pedestrian movement and promote better use of public spaces in the CBD.
For Marondera, the initiative also comes at a significant point in its urban transformation as the municipality pursues city status.
The aspiration places greater emphasis on infrastructure, urban planning, service delivery and the effective management of commercial activity as the town continues to grow.
The new market and rank are therefore part of Marondera’s wider push to build an orderly, functional urban centre as it works towards its city status ambitions.
