Bulawayo councillors flag sprouting illegal bus ranks

Councillors in Bulawayo are concerned over the rise of illegal bus ranks in the city as it becomes clear that the long-awaited Egodini Mall project may not be able to accommodate all city buses. With city-to-city and cross-border buses parking in undesignated areas, traffic congestion in the city center has escalated, prompting urgent calls for alternative solutions.

In 2016, Bulawayo City Council contracted South African developer Terracotta Trading (Private) Limited to redesign the Basch Street terminus into a multi-purpose mall under a $60 million build, operate, and transfer agreement. However, nearly eight years later, Egodini Mall remains incomplete, with only commuter omnibus bays and vendor stalls currently operational.

Last year, the council proposed establishing a public transport interchange terminal for luxury coaches and informal trading spaces on land owned by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). However, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo recently moved a motion to cancel that plan, arguing that a centralized bus terminal at Egodini Mall would better serve the city's needs.

"This development will provide a dedicated and modern facility for luxury coaches, ensuring proper infrastructure, security, and amenities," Moyo said. "Rescinding the NRZ terminal decision will boost investor confidence in Egodini Mall's capacity to accommodate intercity coaches and stimulate business activity there."

Moyo added that the NRZ site lacks essential infrastructure, such as waiting rooms and ablution facilities, and redirecting bus services to Egodini Mall would alleviate illegal ranks and reduce city congestion. His motion was backed by 14 councillors.

Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube, however, defended the NRZ terminal project, arguing it would prevent a "duopoly" in Bulawayo's transport sector, which might otherwise lead to monopolistic practices. "Concentrating the transport business to Egodini and eRenkini terminals alone could lead to fare increases, which may reduce commuters' disposable income," he warned.

Dube pointed out that redirecting all traffic to Egodini could increase pollution and overcrowding, and that establishing the NRZ terminal would encourage healthy competition and support law enforcement in Bulawayo's transport sector. He also noted that NRZ has begun upgrading infrastructure to meet operators' needs.

"Extensive consultations with coach operators have been conducted for both projects, and operators are open to using either terminal as long as there is sufficient infrastructure and affordable charges," Dube said, adding that permission for temporary pick-up points around the city would remain until a lasting solution is implemented.

The council now faces a balancing act between centralizing bus operations at Egodini Mall and expanding facilities across the city to meet growing demand and minimize illegal bus operations.