News / Local
Bulawayo shops complain over Dr Joshua Nkomo roads closure
11 Dec 2013 at 03:29hrs | Views
BUSINESSES operating along the cordoned off sections of Jason Moyo Street and 8th Avenue in Bulawayo are complaining that they are losing out on business after council closed the roads to pave way for a mock mall in honour of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo.
Although council has said the mock mall was meant to promote business in the area ahead of the official unveiling of the late VP Nkomo's statue on December 22 and up to next month, businesses differ.
"Since council closed the road last week, business significantly dropped because our customers have nowhere to park their cars," a worker from a nearby furniture shop said.
"The closure of the road means that customers have to park their cars at a distance and walk to the shop. I think this should have been done a week before the event so that it does not seriously disturb our businesses."
Paresh Patel of Viva Mart also concurred saying shops had started recording low business after the closure of the roads.
"We appreciate the work that is being done here but it is adversely affecting our business. If council does not do something about this, we will definitely lose out this Christmas," he said, adding: "Our customers are finding it difficult to secure parking and simply opt to go to other shops."
A worker from OK Supermarket, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said customers were complaining that it was difficult to secure parking space outside the supermarket.
"The closure of the road is a big disadvantage to us. There is too much competition and the closure of this road has cost us a number of customers," said the worker.
"Those who do not drive have no problem but those who have cars cannot park their cars outside the supermarket because the road is closed. This forces them to go to other nearby supermarkets."
City council senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The council says the mall, which is not yet operational, will be in place until January 4, 2014.
Given the increased traffic during the festive season, motorists have also expressed concern that the closure of the streets has increased congestion.
They said the traffic congestion might cause accidents.
Although council has said the mock mall was meant to promote business in the area ahead of the official unveiling of the late VP Nkomo's statue on December 22 and up to next month, businesses differ.
"Since council closed the road last week, business significantly dropped because our customers have nowhere to park their cars," a worker from a nearby furniture shop said.
"The closure of the road means that customers have to park their cars at a distance and walk to the shop. I think this should have been done a week before the event so that it does not seriously disturb our businesses."
Paresh Patel of Viva Mart also concurred saying shops had started recording low business after the closure of the roads.
"We appreciate the work that is being done here but it is adversely affecting our business. If council does not do something about this, we will definitely lose out this Christmas," he said, adding: "Our customers are finding it difficult to secure parking and simply opt to go to other shops."
"The closure of the road is a big disadvantage to us. There is too much competition and the closure of this road has cost us a number of customers," said the worker.
"Those who do not drive have no problem but those who have cars cannot park their cars outside the supermarket because the road is closed. This forces them to go to other nearby supermarkets."
City council senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The council says the mall, which is not yet operational, will be in place until January 4, 2014.
Given the increased traffic during the festive season, motorists have also expressed concern that the closure of the streets has increased congestion.
They said the traffic congestion might cause accidents.
Source - chronicle
