Bulawayo City Council proposes new termini

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has come up with new sites where vendors and transport operators are going to be relocated amid plans to convert Egodini (Basch Street Bus Terminus) to a regional transit centre and shopping complex. The BCC deputy director of Engineering Services, Mr Job Jika

Ndebele, said the city had proposed new operating sites for the displaced informal traders and transport operators from Egodini. He said the relocation was going to begin early next year to pave way for the project.

"We are hopeful that between February and March we are going to see the kombis and vendors moving out of Egodini. We have selected some areas where the vendors and transport operators are going to be relocated to," he said.

"The first proposed site that we are going to move transport operators and also demarcate new vending sites to is the Zupco Khami Road depot," said Mr Ndebele while updating residents and relevant stakeholders on the project in Bulawayo yesterday.

He said the Zupco Khami Road site was going to be used on a temporary basis while they were still negotiating with Zupco over a permanent arrangement.

"The next location is on 3rd Avenue and Lobengula Street. It's already operating but we want to re-adjust it and accommodate more vehicles and people there. Then there is 2nd Avenue and Lobengula Street where we are also going to put some kombis," he added.

"There is also 2nd Avenue and Parirenyatwa Street where we are planning to put some more kombis. Again at the Zesa Lobengula Street we are also going to put some more commuter transport," he said.

He said they were also going to negotiate with TM Hyper and try to put some other vehicles there.

"We have been thinking of having holding grounds or terminus where the kombis are going to temporarily stop outside town before they move people to their respective places. The first holding terminus is former Belmont bus terminus, behind ZB Bank, along the Plumtree Road.

"There is also another one at CSC where kombis can temporarily stop before they come to town to pick up people," he said.

There were fears by transport operators that the removal of kombis from Egodini could also increase vehicle population in the city centre, resulting in serious traffic congestion.

Speaking at the same meeting Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson Reason Ngwenya said construction of the complex was a commendable development and challenged the authorities to continuously engage residents on the progress of the project.

"When there is a development like this one it should benefit the local people. We would not want the local people to be left out and let the project benefit people from elsewhere," said Mr Ngwenya.

He also challenged residents to take advantage of opportunities that will arise when the $56 million project starts.

The South African-based company - Terracotta - was awarded a tender to develop the terminus into a transport hub for local buses and regional luxury coaches. They will also construct a shopping centre as well as entertainment space and visitors' parking bays.

The company was also awarded a 99-year lease of the terminus.