Beitbridge drops contractor for bus terminus project

Beitbridge Municipality has terminated its contract with Ultra Construction over delays in completing the Dulivhadzimu Long-Distance Bus Terminus, a project that has been ongoing since 2012. The move comes after mounting frustration from residents, transporters, and travellers over slow progress.

Originally relocated from a lower ground prone to waterlogging during the rainy season, the bus terminus project was awarded to the Bulawayo-based firm in 2018. The refurbishment includes paving the area, constructing parking bays and sheds, erecting a perimeter wall, and building a cloakroom. However, civil works have advanced at a sluggish pace, prompting the municipality to take decisive action.

In an interview, Public Works Committee Chairperson Councillor Takavingei Mahachi explained that the council would now manage construction directly, aiming to open some bays by mid-December 2025.

"The project had taken longer than necessary to complete," Cllr Mahachi said. "Since its inception in 2012, several factors, including economic fluctuations, changes in the bill of quantities, and funding shortages, slowed progress. This project is fully funded by the council, and we have decided to take over construction to accelerate work."

Cllr Mahachi added that the municipality had secured key materials such as sand and pavers, with additional support from the community and well-wishers, including transportation of equipment like compactors. "At the moment, we are laying the pavers and expect to open some of the bays by mid-December this year," he said.

The bus terminus project forms part of the local authority's broader plan to transform the border town and expand revenue-generating avenues.