Scottland roped in for Egodini Mall project

Terracotta Trading Private Limited, the contractor behind the long-delayed Egodini Mall redevelopment project, has brought on board Better Brands Construction in a bid to accelerate progress amid mounting backlash from stakeholders over persistent implementation delays.

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) had issued Terracotta a six-month notice of cancellation of the tender, effective until mid-June 2025, following nearly a decade of missed deadlines and failure to meet contractual obligations.

Egodini was originally closed in 2016 to make way for a modern mall and bus rank, with an initial projected cost of approximately US$60 million. However, financing challenges and management setbacks have hindered progress. To date, the contractor has only completed Phase 1's taxi rank, finished last year, while major components such as the mall, fuel station, additional taxi bays, and anchor shops remain unfinished.

The delays have contributed to significant congestion and disorder in Bulawayo's city centre, as informal traders and commuter omnibuses operate from undesignated locations, disrupting traffic flow and public order.

Following the issuance of the cancellation notice  -  which was preceded by an earlier warning in September 2023 after Terracotta abandoned the site  -  the developer engaged the council to request withdrawal of the cancellation. Terracotta cited a new partnership with local firm Better Brands Construction to help complete the project.

According to BCC minutes, Terracotta and Better Brands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate accelerated implementation. The developer submitted this proposal in a letter dated 25 February 2025, asking the council to rescind the cancellation notice.

In response, the council's Department of Works requested Terracotta submit a detailed programme of works, updated cost estimates, design drawings, and a performance bond from a reputable local bank to ensure accountability and progress.

Town Clerk Christopher Dube told reporters the council is awaiting formal confirmation from Terracotta on whether it can meet these conditions before the cancellation notice expires in mid-June.

"It would be unfair for BCC to speculate on the developer's compliance before the notice period lapses," said Mr Dube. "We must give the developer time to respond adequately before making any conclusions."

The council's latest report from the Department of Works, dated 10 April 2025, revealed that only 11 percent of the Egodini Mall site has been completed, with no progress on several key components slated for Phase 1B.

Council members have expressed deep frustration over the protracted delays. Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabuto criticised Terracotta's failure to honour contractual commitments.

"Terracotta was expected to meet deadlines and contractual obligations, but they have not," said Clr Mabuto.

Ward 22 Councillor Mmeli Thobeka Moyo warned the project's delays are damaging investor confidence and the council's reputation.

Several councillors have called for the immediate termination of Terracotta's contract, also questioning whether the council has adequately managed rentals and vendor spaces as part of the development agreement.

Noting the nine-year stagnation on site, councillors lamented the lack of significant preparatory work or demolitions.

In a recent development, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province held a meeting with the city council and Terracotta officials to discuss the stalled Egodini redevelopment, highlighting the political and public urgency to see the project completed.

The outcome of the ongoing dialogue and the developer's ability to meet council conditions will determine whether Egodini Mall's long-awaited transformation will finally become a reality or face further setbacks.