Mutare Embarks on Citywide Facelift Ahead of 2025 Sanganai Expo

By Evans Jona

MUTARE – The City of Mutare has embarked on a massive facelift of its Central Business District (CBD) and municipal facilities as it prepares to host the 2025 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo from 10 to 12 September.

In a statement, Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka said the tourism showcase presents an opportunity for the eastern border city to position itself for an “economic turnaround,” but urged property owners to play their part.

“The majority of our buildings in the Central Business District are in a bad state and are in need of renovations to improve the image of the City,” said Chafesuka. “In terms of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, we are therefore directing all owners of buildings in the CBD to carry out the necessary maintenance by repairing and refurbishing their buildings.”

He stressed that many commercial properties had gone for years without renovations, leaving the CBD in a “state of dilapidation and disrepair.” He said property owners must comply not only for the Expo but in line with the provisions of the law.

The council has already begun upgrading its own facilities, including the Sakubva Housing Department offices, Marlborough Court, and the Courtauld Theatre. “Renovation of these structures and facilities will go a long way in enhancing the image of the City and reaffirming Council’s position of ensuring that our facilities are in good shape to serve the interests of the residents of Mutare,” said Chafesuka.

On the roads, the municipality has completed tar pothole patching and road markings along Herbert Chitepo Street, and plans to expand the works to other streets. The long-dormant Green Market traffic lights are now functional after procurement hurdles, a development Chafesuka said would “go a long way in traffic management in our City.”

City spokesperson Charles Sadondo confirmed the ongoing works, saying: “We have completed the tar patching on Herbert Chitepo Street and we’ll be moving into other streets to make sure that our roads are trafficable. We are pleased to announce that the Green Market traffic light that was not functional for quite some time is now working and this will help us to better manage traffic as trucks move in and out of town.”

Sadondo said teams were also working at Pavilion grounds, the main Expo venue, to prepare access roads and parking facilities. “We also have a team that is working on Pavilion grounds which is the venue for Sanganai this year. They are now focusing on access roads to the parking lots and the works are progressing well,” he said.

Both officials appealed to residents to safeguard public property and infrastructure from vandalism and theft, while assuring stakeholders that the city was committed to delivering on its “Smart City” vision.

“I warmly invite you to the 2025 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, where culture, heritage, and hospitality converge in the Jewel of the East,” said Chafesuka. “Together, we will make our City great.”