The Sunday Mail
Norman Muchemwa
A multi-million dollar complex constructed by Harare City Council along Simon Mazorodze in Mbare is turning into a white elephant as it fails to attract tenants.
The Harare Gulf Sunshine Bazaar, which was expected to start operating last year, is understood to be struggling to attract tenants due to high rentals.
Retailers are finding the $250 per month charge too steep.
The complex, a US$10 million joint venture project between the Harare City Council and international property developer El Nour United Engineering Group, houses 500 small shops.
The complex was meant to decongest the Central Business District and provide business space for the majority of small scale traders who have been operating along pavements in the CBD.
City of Harare spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme could not be drawn to comment on the project, referring questions to Harare Gulf Sunshine Bazaar business development executive Mr Andrew Matiza.
Mr Matiza, however, refuted claims that the rentals are too high.
“Our rentals are pegged at $250 which is a standard price and for now we have reduced them to $150 until December to allow tenants to re-stock,” he said.
“The delays have been caused by partitioning and time spent on acquiring the electricity and water metres that were not readily available.
“The construction of a car park for customers was also another stumbling block in the full opening of the complex, but it is now complete.”
When The Sunday Mail visited the complex last week, half of the complex was ready for business but only four of the 500 shops were operational.
The other section of the complex is being polished up and almost ready for occupation.
Mbudzi People’s Market along Masvingo road, adjacent to the popular Mbudzi round-about, is facing the same predicament.
Despite opening in November last year with 200 tenants, over 150 have since deserted the facility, citing low business.
