THE Swiss Government has availed US$200 000 towards the reconstruction and upgrading of the Highlanders Safe Market site in Bulawayo in a move aimed at strengthening urban resilience and improving working conditions for informal traders.
Stephane Rey, the ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, on Thursday toured the market site together with Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, director for economic development Simon Saunyama representing Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Judith Ncube, councillors and development partners.
The project will involve installing market sheds and improving infrastructure for traders operating at the busy trading site.
Speaking after the tour, Rey said the funding demonstrates Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that informal traders operate in dignified and safe conditions.
“The disbursement of the US$200 000 is part of our commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that informal traders operate in a dignified environment,” he said, adding that informal traders remain an important part of the urban economy and deserve proper infrastructure that supports their livelihoods.
Rey also revealed that beyond the US$200 000 already extended to the City of Bulawayo, the Swiss government has pledged an additional US$8 million for future urban resilience programmes targeting urban local authorities, including Bulawayo.
“We are committed to supporting urban resilience initiatives and strengthening partnerships with local authorities to improve the lives of residents.”
Coltart expressed gratitude to the Swiss government for the support, saying the funding would help transform trading conditions for vendors operating at the site.
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“We are deeply appreciative of the funding that has been extended to the City by the Swiss people,” he said.
“This assistance will enable us to upgrade infrastructure where informal traders operate from.
“We assure our development partners that the funds will be put to good use for the benefit of the people of Bulawayo.”
Saunyama said the funding reflects the positive outcomes of Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy efforts under the Second Republic.
“This donation speaks to the economic diplomacy being advanced under the policy that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none,” he said.
Saunyama added that such partnerships were critical in driving urban transformation and economic development in cities.
