Mutare youths are up in arms over the local municipality’s decision to turn Sakubva Beit Hall grounds, a recreational facility into a vending site.
The conversion of Sakubva Beit Hall grounds into a vending site followed serious lobbying by the Mutare Informal Traders Association (MITA) who demanded space to carry out their business activities.
In a press statement Manicaland Youth Assembly (MAYA) pleaded with council to stop its ‘unjust’ move which they said was a violation of the rights youths.
“From the onset and for the avoidance of doubt, MAYA does not in any way oppose the setting up of flea markets or other programs that are meant to economically empower residents.
“However it is our humble considered view that such programs should not come at the expense of young people who in this case will be losers if the proposal to turn Beit Hall into a flea market subsists.
“Let the youths breathe, Mutare is not short of space for flee market. This is tantamount to a society fighting its own future for the love of money and we strongly condemn this ‘Iscariot mentality’,” read part of the statement.
On the other hand council says it is indeed considering such sport sites as it is balancing conflicts needs to develop an alternative market for the convenience of the public with limited land to develop structures.
Mutare Mayor, councilor Blessing Tandi said the land in question was initially identified as a relief relocation measure to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic, with no particular development onsite.
He said council is yet to come up with a final destination of the proposed modern trading sites that will fit in the Sakubva Urban Renewal template
“We identified alternative positions to relocate the Sakubva flea market, we are also taking into account eh Sakubva Urban renewal project, we were anticipating taker to construct a modernized market.
“It’s still work in the pipeline. Yes we had identified that place first together with others sites as we are caught in-between. Council no longer has land to so we are trying to find means and ways,” he said.
MAYA is however adamant that council is not considering the plight of the youth, which are now turning into vices like drug because due to already high levels of unemployment
“The consequences of turning this facility into a flea market can make economic sense, however brings no strategic value for the youths who for a long time have witnessed the gradual but unfortunate capture of their spaces such as Sakubva swimming pool which is in a state of disrepair, Chinyausunzi grounds, Dangamvura ground (now market) and Chikanga sports field (Harlem) also turned into a market.
“Turning social amenities into markets will be a reversal of the constitutionally stated objectives which will result in youths dabbling in antisocial activities because they have nowhere to positively expend their energies.
“There are many council facilities especially beer halls such as Chinyausunzi, old bar and Maonde bar which can be turned into flea markets and council may actually get better returns from their under used real estate.
“As MAYA, we therefore kindly ask MCC to look for alternative places to locate the flea markets beside the recreational Centres,” said MAYA.
