As a way of decongesting Marondera town centre, the municipality has identified space where a new bus terminus and vendors’ market will be built, with plans already at an advanced stage, a stakeholders meeting held at the Marondera council chambers on Wednesday was told.
While welcomed by residents, the council was warned that adequate facilities needed to put in place at the new terminus and market area to ensure that it worked as intended.
Currently, long distance buses as well as local kombis and illegal pirate taxis share a single terminus which is in the town centre and with the increasing number of kombis and mushikashika vehicles, the farming town is now always congested, hence the decision by the council.
At the same time, there are many more vendors and some are now conducting their businesses on the pavements, or at the front of other shops, thereby obstructing the smooth movement of the public and making it more difficult for established businesses.
The move to establish a new bus terminus and vending stalls was announced by acting town clerk Rinashe Nyamuzihwa during the meeting after residents aired their concerns on the town congestion.
Residents welcomed the move, saying it would ensure quality service delivery for the rate payers.
Marondera Residents Association chairperson Mr Tapiwa Chengeta said such a development will help the local authority in its efforts to transform Marondera into a smart city.
“The move to decongest the town is a welcome development,” he said. “We are happy about it. It is going to help the council to achieve their smart city dream. The issue of congestion in town was affecting investment.
“However, as the council identifies these new places, they should consider putting enough facilities to sustain that development.
“There is need to put ablution facilities at the site and also potable water for the people who will use the new sites.
“There is also need for a wider consultation with the public on the developments and educate them on the move. Residents should be made aware of that, otherwise the move is welcome.”
Marondera Urban Business Association chairperson Mr Carlos Pindire said the development by council will see more revenue in their coffers.
He said the local authority has been losing potential revenue hence the need to decongest the town centre.
“We need to sanitise our town, to clean up our city by bringing order,” he said. – The Herald
