By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
Leading construction firm Bentach Resources who recently transformed Kudzanai Bus Terminus into a “state of the art” rank, are back with another world-class innovation of a smart shopping mall.
The company is putting some final touches to the construction of an innovative, smart shopping mall designed to offer decent market space for over 50 small-scale traders in Gweru.
The tech-savvy mall, which is a pioneer project in Zimbabwe was built using converted shipping containers and is billed to open in the coming weeks.
Already over 300 small-scale traders have shown keen interest to operate their various businesses from the newly constructed arcade.
“Our mall is practically complete and it’s dubbed the Kudzanai Bus Terminus Plaza (KBT)” Bentach Resources project manager David Kudakwashe told The Sun Business.
“It’s practically complete, we are now just putting some final touches, so that the place is comfortable for our tenants, by the first of March we will be fully functional but we will give tenants a two-week grace period to set up without paying their rentals, he said.
Kudakwashe noted that the project is meant to bring robust transformation in the SME’s business.
“This project is going to be a game changer to how our SMEs trade, the complex of this nature is a first of its kind in the country however, container conversions are not anything new, it is not something that we have come up with, but we have extended and extrapolated to fulfill the need of our SME market.
We are doing this to provide decent and comfortable selling sites for small-scale traders, this we have done while waiting for the City of Gweru to approve our mega shopping mall proposal.
The shop spaces which are located just adjacent to Kudzanai Bus Terminus are already fully furnished with electrical plugs, lighting and state-of-the-art aeration fans.
One of the most frequently discussed benefits of modified shipping containers is the portability of the units. The frame of the container allows for easy and simple relocation as needed, even after manufacturers modify the units into workspaces. The mobility of container units will help businesses relocate if need be.
Unique modifications including roll-up doors, sliding glass doors, restrooms, kitchenettes, and more, help bring the shops to life. The customized features will help customers and small-scale traders feel comfortable and energized in the space. #The Sun
