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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

PLANS by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and Bulawayo City Council to transform part of the railway station into a public transport interchange for pre-booking luxury coaches and informal trader space are uncertain after councillors voted to rescind the resolution.

In April last year, the council approved the establishment of a Public Transport Interchange Terminal on NRZ land aimed at alleviating congestion in the central business district and enhancing trade.

The project sought to decongest the central business district and boost trade.

NRZ had crafted a redevelopment strategy of turning the Railway Station into an up-market transport hub and Shopping Mall.

National Railways of Zimbabwe

The two entities held several meetings on the issue and the local authority had in principle adopted the proposal. The council is eager to decongest the central business district due to an influx of illegal informal traders and transport operators.

According to the latest monthly council report, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo proposed a motion to reverse the previous decision, which was supported by fourteen councillors.

In his motion, Clr Moyo highlighted significant circumstances that warrant reconsideration for the benefit of Bulawayo, its residents, and stakeholders.

He noted that the construction of a new transport terminal is underway at Egodini to provide a modern facility for luxury coach operators, complete with appropriate infrastructure, security, and amenities.

“Rescinding the NRZ terminal decision will boost investor confidence in Egodini Mall’s capacity to accommodate intercity coaches and stimulate business activity there,” said Clr Moyo.

Bulawayo City Council (BCC)

He noted that last year’s decision fails to address the issue of buses operating illegally at 6th Avenue/Leopold Takawira and 1st Avenue, especially during late-night and early-morning hours.

Clr Moyo warned that implementing the NRZ terminal without addressing these illegal operators will create an unfair environment and worsen existing challenges.

Additionally, he mentioned that several coach operators are willing to use the Egodini Mall terminal if adequate space is provided.

“This indicates that there is demand for the facilities at Egodini, further undermining the rationale for the NRZ site,” he said.

Clr Moyo said that the proposed NRZ site lacks basic infrastructure, such as sufficient waiting rooms and restroom facilities.

He expressed concern about NRZ’s unclear financial capacity to upgrade these facilities for intercity coaches, which would unfairly burden the operators. He also highlighted safety issues at the site.

“The NRZ premises have long been known as a hotspot for criminal activities. The safety and security of passengers, drivers, and ticketing officers cannot be guaranteed, which would be detrimental to the public’s trust and willingness to use the proposed terminal,” he said.

Bulawayo City Council Director of Town Planning Mr Wisdom Siziba

“In light of the above, I respectfully move that the Bulawayo City Council rescinds and sets aside the resolution of 5th April 2023 regarding the creation of a public transport interchange terminal on National Railways of Zimbabwe land, and instead fully commits to supporting the establishment of the terminal at Egodini Mall.”

According to the report, Egodini Bus Terminal is the biggest bus terminal in Bulawayo followed by Renkini Bus Terminal.

Hence, further concentrating the transport business to these two terminuses can cause a duopoly market in the transport sector.

“Allowing one player hampers competition. Egodini as a duopoly can become complacent and inefficient as there will be no need to prioritise cost efficiency and innovativeness from the lack of competition. NRZ bus terminal brings the necessary competition,” reads the report.

“Egodini Bus Terminus operators can increase prices above competitive levels leading to exploitation of coach operators, of which coach operators can push the cost to passengers by inflating their prices thereby reducing their disposable income.

“Furthermore, having one terminal (Egodini), may have infrastructural constraints that could impede effective operations such as inadequate parking and loading facilities. Inadequate infrastructure might lead to further increase illegal operations being done at 6th Avenue/ Leopold Takawira and 1st Avenue, particularly during late-night, and early-morning hours,” reads part of the report arguments for not setting aside the council decision of April 5, 2023, outweigh the arguments for rescinding the decision.

“It is, therefore, recommended that this motion be dropped,” said the acting town clerk.

Bulawayo Dep Mayor, Clr Edwin Ndlovu

In his contribution, director of town planning, Mr Wisdom Siziba, said the establishment of a public transport interchange terminal is a permitted use and does not require special council consent for a development permit.

He noted that NRZ has proposed to set up a public transport interchange on their premises. Mr Siziba emphasised that this interchange would alleviate pressure on existing facilities, reduce congestion in the city centre, create space for informal activities, and generate revenue

“It is, thus, advantageous for the Bulawayo City Council to collaborate with the NRZ to manage the activities of intercity and cross-border vehicles while simultaneously mitigating congestion in the Central Business District.

“Prior to this engagement the NRZ already had a redevelopment plan for the Railway Station, which entailed redeveloping it into an up-market transport hub and shopping mall and its reservation allows for that, and the interchange was a step in implementing these plans.”

Mr Siziba acknowledged that while the development of Egodini is a work in progress, construction of the section of the terminus designated for buses has not yet commenced, and there are currently no commitments regarding timelines from the developer.

BCC Chamber secreatry Mrs Sikhangele Zhou

He said the establishment of the public transport interchange at the National Railways of Zimbabwe land is freely permitted and Bulawayo Main Station is already designated as a public transport terminal.

“Rescinding of the Council resolution of 5 April 2023 has no legal effect on the operations of the public transport interchange by National Railways of Zimbabwe, but will only mean withdrawing direct participation of the city in the project’s implementation,” said Mr Siziba.

“It is, therefore, in the best interest of council to partner National Railways of Zimbabwe and assist in regulating the operations of the terminal.”

Deputy Mayor, Clr Edwin Ndlovu supported the motion saying there was no need for another intercity public transport exchange as Egodini public transport exchange was a council project.

According to the report, Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, explained that NRZ had legislative rights and had only approached council to consult and it was up to NRZ to look for its clients to occupy the facility.

Mrs Zhou added that the Egodini Terminus, even if completed the design capacity would not cater for all transporters hence the need to support and facilitate development of such transport inter-change facilities.