THE Bulawayo City Council plans to construct a prototype informal vending shed at the Highlanders traders’ site using a US$200 000 grant from the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC).
The proposed development is expected to provide a safer, more organised and resilient environment for traders operating at the busy vending site situated at the intersection of Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue and Fife Street.
The proposal was presented by the director of town planning in a report dated April 24, 2026, seeking permission to construct the shed on a portion of the Highlanders traders’ site.
Council documents show that SDC initially availed the US$200 000 for infrastructural development at the proposed Bhaktas market located at the intersection of Lobengula Street and First Avenue.
However, the local authority stated that the Bhaktas project required an estimated US$4,8 million, making the available funding inadequate for the project.
“At the time of receiving communication regarding the funding, the proposed Bhaktas market development had already been put out to tender and was, therefore, unavailable for consideration,” the report read.
Council said the best option was to redirect the funds towards the Highlanders traders’ site, which authorities said required urgent intervention to attain safe and resilient trading conditions.
The proposed project will focus on constructing a permanent prototype shed over existing trading bays.
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Current structures at the site are largely makeshift stalls made from steel pipes and plastic coverings.
According to the council report, the site was demarcated into trading bays measuring two metres by two metres, with all bays allocated to traders.
Clothing traders operate within the fenced section, while fruit and vegetable
vendors will occupy the space along the pavement.
“The project's ultimate goal was to construct permanent sheds over the bays to replace the unsightly temporary structures currently on site and improve the work spaces,” the report stated.
Council said the US$200 000 funding would be sufficient to complete one prototype shelter that could be replicated through future partnerships with other development agencies.
Simulations attached to the council report show a modern sheltered market structure designed to accommodate traders in a more formalised environment.
Authorities said once implemented, the development was expected to significantly improve traders’ working conditions.
The matter was resolved through a recommendation that the US$200 000 donated by SDC be used to construct the prototype informal vending shed at the Highlanders vending site.
