For residents of Ruwa, Mabvuku, Damafalls, and surrounding areas, the dreaded trip to Mbare Musika for fresh produce may no longer be a necessity. While Mbare Musika undeniably holds a central position in Harare’s fresh produce ecosystem, recent heavy rains have highlighted its well-documented shortcomings – flooding, mud, and sanitation concerns. The ongoing construction of a new market along Ardbenie Road promises improvement, but in the meantime, a viable and cleaner alternative exists: the Damafalls fruits and vegetable market.

A Welcome Respite from the Mbare Musika Mayhem

Recent weeks of rainfall have transformed sections of Mbare Musika into veritable swamps. Obtaining everyday necessities such as potatoes and cabbages often requires wading through pools of water and navigating muddy paths, an experience many find less than ideal. It is a familiar sight in Harare.

Fortunately, the Damafalls Market, situated along Mutare Road near the intersection of Mutare and Chiremba roads, offers a compelling alternative. Crucially, its elevated location and well-maintained concrete paving ensure excellent drainage. This means shoppers can avoid the unpleasant conditions currently plaguing Mbare Musika. Unlike Mbare’s chaotic landscape, the Damafalls Market benefits from conscientious waste management and lower foot traffic, resulting in a noticeably cleaner environment, free from the piles of decaying rubbish often encountered in Mbare. The relative absence of pushing carts and overwhelming human traffic also contributes to a more relaxed and convenient shopping experience. Those familiar with Mbare Musika during peak hours will undoubtedly appreciate this respite.

Variety and Availability: Does Damafalls Deliver?

The Damafalls Market boasts an impressive selection, offering approximately 90% of the items typically found at Mbare Musika. This includes popular vegetables such as green, yellow, and red peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, and leafy greens like covo, rape, and tsunga. One can also find okra and even sweet potatoes. Like Mbare, vendors at Damafalls employ the same volumetric measures, including buckets, gallons, and cups, ensuring consistency and familiarity for shoppers. Notably, the market even features traditional items such as ndove yenzou (elephant dung), mbiya (clay pots), and animal tails and hides, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences.

Price Comparison: A Pleasant Surprise

A clean market with limited stock or inflated prices would hardly be an attractive proposition. Therefore, we conducted a quick comparison to assess the affordability of the Damafalls Market. The results were encouraging.

• Madora (Mopani Worms): These seasonal delicacies, recently back in season after a brief hiatus, are priced at US$1 per small cup, mirroring the price at Mbare Musika.
• Cabbages: Starting at US$0.50 per head, cabbages at Damafalls are notably cheaper than the US$0.80-US$1 price range observed at Mbare.
• Leaf Vegetables: At US$0.50 per household bundle, the price of leafy greens is comparable to that of Mbare.
• Potatoes: Small pockets of medium-sized potatoes are selling for US$5, with larger 10kg sacks priced at US$8 and 15kg sacks ranging from US$9 to US$11, depending on the potato size. Again, these prices align with those found at Mbare Musika.
• Apples: Six apples sell for US$1, slightly higher than the Mbare price of US$1 for eight of high quality. However, the difference is minor and unlikely to warrant a trip specifically for apples.
• Green Maize: A dozen cobs of green maize costs US$3, compared to US$4 at Mbare.
• Dried Maize: Depending on the grade, a bucket of dried maize sells for US$8-US$10, consistent with Mbare Musika prices.
• Peppers: Yellow and red peppers are priced at US$1 per punnet, identical to the price of “robot pepper” (a punnet containing green, yellow, and red peppers). Green peppers are available for US$0.50 per punnet, mirroring Mbare Musika prices.

This spot check indicates that, for most items, prices at the Damafalls Market are either comparable to or lower than those at Mbare Musika, making it a financially attractive option for consumers in the area.

More Than Just Produce

Like Mbare Musika, the Damafalls Market also features roadside hardware and electronic stores. Prices for items like phone chargers and earphones are comparable to those in Mbare. These shops offer a variety of goods, including solar lights, radios, solar kits, gas tanks, and stoves. However, prices in these stores are marginally higher, suggesting that these smaller retailers source their wares from wholesalers in Mbare and other industrial areas near Harare.

Accessibility and Convenience

The Damafalls Market offers convenient parking, situated near the highway. However, caution is advised due to the high speed of passing vehicles. Parking can be limited, particularly during peak hours, but is generally sufficient on most days.

A Worthwhile Alternative

The Damafalls fruits and vegetable market presents a compelling alternative to Mbare Musika for residents of Ruwa, Mabvuku, Damafalls, and surrounding areas. Its cleaner environment, comparable prices, and extensive selection make it a convenient and appealing option. While Mbare Musika remains a crucial hub in Harare’s fresh produce network, the Damafalls Market offers a more pleasant and accessible shopping experience for those seeking fresh produce without the hassles often associated with Mbare.