BCC scrap support for NRZ public transport interchange plan

The Bulawayo City Council has rescinded its support for a planned public transport interchange on National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) land, which was intended to alleviate congestion in the central business district (CBD) by providing space for intercity luxury coaches and informal traders.

The original resolution, passed in April 2023, aimed to transform part of the Bulawayo railway station into a modern transport hub and shopping mall. However, at a recent council meeting, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo proposed reversing this decision, with 14 councillors supporting the motion.

Councillor Moyo highlighted the imminent completion of the Egodini Mall transport terminal, which has been under construction with the aim of centralizing intercity coach operations in a modern facility equipped with essential amenities and security. "Rescinding the NRZ terminal decision will boost investor confidence in Egodini Mall's capacity to accommodate intercity coaches and stimulate business activity there," Moyo stated.

The council report also raised concerns about illegal bus operations at 6th Avenue/Leopold Takawira and 1st Avenue. Moyo argued that failing to address these activities could lead to an unfair environment and exacerbate congestion if the NRZ site was developed without proper regulatory measures.

Moyo also pointed out that the NRZ site lacks essential infrastructure such as waiting areas and restroom facilities, and questioned whether NRZ has the financial capacity to upgrade these facilities for public use. Safety was another significant concern, with Moyo describing the NRZ area as a "hotspot for criminal activities" that would deter public confidence.

However, a council report argued against rescinding the decision, highlighting that creating another transport terminal would introduce competition, preventing the Egodini Mall from monopolizing intercity transport. The report warned that if Egodini operated alone, it might lead to price increases and reduced efficiency, potentially exploiting coach operators and leading them to pass costs onto passengers.

Acting Town Clerk emphasized that allowing both NRZ and Egodini to operate would create healthy competition, prevent infrastructure overload, and mitigate unauthorized bus operations elsewhere in the CBD.

Wisdom Siziba, Director of Town Planning, supported the NRZ's proposal, noting that it aligns with the city's zoning and would help decongest the CBD while supporting informal trade. He also highlighted that the NRZ's plans for a redevelopment strategy involving a transport hub and shopping mall predate the Egodini Mall project, adding that NRZ's legal rights enable it to proceed with the interchange regardless of the council's involvement.

Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu voiced support for focusing on Egodini Mall, calling it a council-backed project that deserves full commitment. Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou added that NRZ's rights allow it to proceed independently, but stressed that NRZ had only consulted the council as a courtesy and still retains discretion over the terminal's development and occupancy.

The decision leaves the NRZ free to pursue its transport hub project independently, with council involvement limited to regulation. Meanwhile, Bulawayo residents and coach operators await further developments as Egodini Mall continues its phased construction, with no clear timeline for its completion.