Once known as the Sunshine City, Harare’s CBD now tells a different story one of tired buildings, crowded corridors, and strained infrastructure. But change is coming. A growing call for renewal is breathing life back into old spaces, blending urban planning, community effort, and fresh ideas. From Glenview’s vibrant furniture complex to strategic building upgrades, the city’s heart is learning to beat again safer, cleaner, and more inclusive for all who live, trade, and dream within its wall
By Wellington ZImbowa
For many years, Harare’s central buildings have been falling apart cracked walls, blocked toilets, faulty wiring, and poor ventilation have become part of daily life for traders and shoppers. These old public buildings were never meant to carry today’s load of small businesses, market stalls, and informal traders.
The result has been a silent but growing crisis affecting health, safety, and even access to clean water.
But change is coming.
A new study by urban researchers Thomas Karakadzai and Professor Innocent Chirisa is bringing attention to the need for better building safety, proper facilities, and stronger oversight. Their work shows how the lack of maintenance and unplanned renovations inside these old buildings is putting lives and livelihoods at risk especially during outbreaks like cholera.
Government has already taken steps to address the situation. In 2024, over 200 buildings in Harare’s CBD were flagged for urgent repair, including some well-known properties like Robin House and Dublin House. The recommendation was simple: fix what’s broken, or repurpose buildings that can no longer serve their purpose.
One approach that is gaining attention is co-production where local traders and city authorities work together to plan, build, and maintain spaces that suit real needs. A good example is the Glenview Area 8 Furniture Complex, which now houses over 2,000 traders thanks to improved water access, sanitation, and safety. Here, the government, civic organisations, and the traders themselves are part of every decision.
Another success is the Eastgate SME Centre by Old Mutual, which provides clean, safe trading spaces for informal businesses in the city. These projects show what’s possible when long-term planning meets community involvement.
As Zimbabwe continues to grow its economy especially in the informal sector it’s clear that trading spaces must grow too. That means fixing old buildings, planning properly, and listening to the people who use the space every day.
With more events like the upcoming Marketing Expo on August 2, bringing together banks, city officials, and local businesses, the future of urban markets looks brighter. What started as a crisis may yet become a success story built on partnership, planning, and people power.
