WORKS on the rehabilitation works at the Egodini bus terminus continue to stall amid revelations that phase 1A of the project is just 25 percent complete with no indication when the project will eventually be completed.
South African-based contractor- Terracotta Trading Private Limited has previously given varying timelines for the completion of the project but has cited a number of challenges for the continued delay, which include the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Bulawayo residents have questioned the progress of the project that was initially set to start in 2016 with various set deadlines being continuously missed. This saw councillors and residents at one point calling on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to reverse the tender. The continued closure of the terminus has in the meantime seen an influx of illegal pickup and drop off points in the city centre with commuter omnibus operators blocking out the section of Sixth Avenue between Lobengula Street and Herbert Chitepo Street.
At the commencement of the project the developer had noted that they will be dividing works into phases so as to allow for the gradual readmission of kombis and traders so as to reduce the congestion that has been experienced in the city. The phases were to be phase 1A, 1B, 2 and 3. Phase 1A includes the construction of the taxi rank, trader’s stalls, public ablutions, workshop, filling station and storage facilities.
However, giving his New Year message, Bulawayo mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni revealed that the initial phase 1A of the project was about 25 percent complete.
“The redevelopment of Egodini was tendered out and awarded to Terracota Trading (Pvt) Limited. Terracota provided proof of finance at the time of tender to the tune of US$59 million and this was accompanied by supporting letters from a reputable bank from South Africa. The project is to be fully funded by the developer.
“On completion Phase 1A is expected to have 1 100 traders’ stalls which will go a long way in the provision of trading spaces. This phase will also cater for all local commuter transport plying the various routes within the City of Bulawayo, whilst intercity buses will be catered for in Phase 1B. Servicing with sewer, water and storm drains is about 90 percent complete. Overall construction of structures in phase 1A is about 25 percent complete,” said Clr Mguni.
He revealed that challenges that the developer has sighted as having delayed project implementation are the Covid-19 pandemic and erratic supply of materials. Bulawayo residents have however, called on the government to intervene, noting that the continued delay in the completion of the project raised eyebrows.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) secretary for administration Mr Thembelani Dube said the project has been in limbo for too long.
“The Egodini project has been in limbo for almost a decade. The structures emerging are contrary to what was touted to be the best mall in the country. As residents of Bulawayo we call upon the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to institute a commission of inquiry to establish what is obtaining regarding that project which has long surpassed the project timelines suggested,” said Mr Dube.
Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairperson, Mr Winos Dube echoed the same sentiments saying both the local authority and the developer were not forthcoming on what was happening regarding the Egodini project.
“As residents we are honestly concerned with what is transpiring regarding the Egodini project. I have personally engaged the Town Clerk (Mr Christopher Dube) raising the concerns we have as residents, chief being that no one is telling us anything and the only time we hear anything is someone telling us of non-existent timelines.
Further, what is happening at Egodini has prompted the situation that is prevailing in the city vis-à-vis the dirt and disorder. Action must be taken as of yesterday, Egodini must be completed and reopened,” said the Bura chairperson. – Sunday News
