MUTARE – In a move to curb the spread of COVID-19, Mutare City Council (MCC) has decentralised its wholesale farm produce markets to high density suburbs.
This comes amid concern from health authorities and individuals over the Sakubva Bus Terminus market, as vendors and buyers were not observing good personal hygiene and social distancing in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommendations.
In a statement released at the weekend, MCC said: “Notice is hereby given that Council has resolved to decentralise the Sakubva wholesale produce market, which was at Sakubva Long Distance Bus Terminus to other suburbs of the city, namely Chikanga, Hobhouse and Dangamvura, starting April 20, 2020.”
MCC said the move was taken due to the need to decongest the Sakubva Market place and promote social distancing in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Residents from other suburbs outside the mentioned ones are free to choose the nearest and most convenient produce market,” read the statement.
According to city authorities, the Sakubva Bus Terminus market would operate from 6am to 9am, while the new markets would operate from 6am to 10 lam.
The Sakubva Bus Terminus market was the sole vegetable market in Mutare.