By 
Vendors in Mbare, one of Harare’s bustling informal trading hubs, are raising alarms over newly introduced fees at the recently established Mbare Temporary Market. The charges have been set at a staggering USD580 per month, sparking outrage among local traders who argue that the fees are both unreasonable and exploitative, especially as many are still recovering from the devastating fire that ravaged the area.
The breakdown of the fees being charged by the developer includes a USD200 monthly rental fee per space, USD240 per month for parking, USD100 for security services, and a one-time USD10 lease processing fee. In addition, vendors are required to pay USD1 per day for toilet usage, which adds up to approximately USD30 per month. This brings the total to USD580 per month—significantly higher than the USD25 per month that the City of Harare charges for trading in Mbare’s existing markets.
Vendors have expressed deep concern over the fairness of these charges. The total fee of USD580 per month is not only considerably more than what informal traders in other markets are paying, but it also exceeds the monthly rent for a shop of similar size in Joina City, one of Harare’s prime commercial buildings. These excessive charges have been described as out of touch with the reality of the traders’ economic situation, particularly given the additional challenges they face in recovering from the aftermath of the fire, which was declared a national disaster.
By Ruvarashe Gora
The new market fees amount to a collective USD1.4 million per month, a sum that many vendors feel will place a heavy financial burden on their already fragile businesses. Denford Ngadziore, the Chairperson of the Harare City SMEs Committee, has firmly condemned the fees, clarifying that these charges have not been approved by either the City of Harare or the SMEs Committee. Ngadziore stated, “For charity’s sake, these exorbitant fees have not been approved,” and emphasized that any future fee structure would go through a fair, transparent, and consultative process. Ultimately, any final decision will require approval from the City Council through the SMEs Committee.
In response to the growing unrest, a stakeholder engagement meeting has been scheduled for today, where further discussions on the matter will take place. Ngadziore assured vendors that updates will be provided after the meeting, with the goal of finding a fair and sustainable solution that addresses both the needs of the market and the economic realities of the vendors in Mbare.
As the situation continues to develop, vendors and concerned citizens await the outcome of the consultations, hoping for a resolution that respects their economic well-being while also meeting the market’s operational requirements.
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