The following is an excerpt taken from an article written by Angeline Musakwa (Features Writer for The Herald). To view the full article please visit https://www.herald.co.zw/reorganising-harares-vending-markets/
Speaking to The Herald last week, the developers of the new farmers’ market, Aspindale Park Developers, said they saw the need for a market place through research and seeing the need for farmers to have a viable market for their produce.
“We are just middlemen offering space to farmers, giving them a platform to sell their produce in a secured place,” Faith Munakira, the project’s head of marketing, said.
The high end facility may connect farmers with affluent buyers of their produce.
“The space can accommodate about 200 farmers who can operate from 5am to 11am. The farmers have to pay a once off registration fee of $50 and can get a minimum of four pallets daily, which cost $10 each. Farmers can get up to six pallets if need be,” Munakira said.
She said vendors could operate at the market from 5am to 7pm, paying monthly rentals of $150.
The market is a break from the old way of doing things where markets of this nature were always dingy and derelict.
“Our vision is to have space where people can come and feel comfortable (the parking are access are easy) and is secure because there is security; we have put hygiene systems in place, ablution facilities,” said Munakira.
“You can engage with the farmer and get produce which is cheaper.”
