HARARE – Construction of a structure at the Mabelreign shops for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) was a council resolution that passed all stages and approved by the metropolis, new details show.
The latest confirms that Ward Councillor, Denford Ngadziore, did not act illegally or individually on the issue contrary to earlier reports.
Ngadziore had come under fire on the matter leading to demolition of the structures at the instigation of Mayor Jacob Mafume who is now accused of “playing to the gallery” on a matter that is above board and was sanctioned at Town House.
Documents reveal that on December 19, 2025, Cartin Mark Up Investments, trading as Arise & Shine, managing director identified only as F. Manyika wrote to the City of Harare’s Housing and Community Services seeking authority to construct a “temporary market facility” at Mabelreign Shopping Centre as a donation to support urban renewal and small businesses
“This project is intended as a donation to the City of Harare to support council’s efforts in urban renewal and SME management,” the letter reads in part.
“This initiative aims to support the City of Harare during the planned renovation and upgrading of sanitation facilities. The proposed structure will serve as a vital market and holding bay for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) currently operating within the market, as well as those trading on pavements and shop verandas,” the letter adds.
The proposal passed through council structures and was formally endorsed by key departments, with senior officials appending their signatures between February 16 and 19, 2026.
City of Harare official response, dated March 2, 2026, confirms the project was approved under set conditions.
In a letter authored by Acting Town Clerk, Engineer Mabhena Moyo on March 2, 2026, the proposal received backing from Director of Works Isaiah Chawatama, Acting Director of Urban Planning Samuel Nyabezi, and Director of Housing and Community Services Dr Admore Nhekairo.
“The committee notes the proposal… to donate the renovation and upgrading of the existing Mabelreign People’s Market,” reads part of the response.
City of Harare went further, mandating direct oversight of the project.
“The Director of Works is mandated to supervise all construction activities related to the existing people’s market renovation, upgrading, and the proposed construction and donation of the temporary market at Mabelreign Shopping Centre by Cartin Mark Up Investments,” the letter states.
Authorities also outlined how the facility would be managed.
“The Director of Housing and Community Services will be responsible for transparent stall allocation and lease issuance to individual traders, ensuring that council retains control over the public asset,” reads the approval letter.
The facility was designed to accommodate traders during renovations and to decongest pavements and shop verandas.
Ngadziore is the chairman of the SMEs committee in council.
It remains unclear why Mafume threw Ngadziore under the base and acted as if the Councillor had acted alone and illegally on the issue. – ZiFM
The post Mabelreign demolitions, fresh details emerge appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.