TATENDA CHIKARA IN MASVINGO
Long distance bus operators are shunning the terminus in Mucheke suburb opting for an unsanctioned rank in defiance of the City of Masvingo council resolution made in May.
Business Times can report that a full council meeting on May 31, 2021, resolved that all buses should operate from Mucheke bus terminus.
But, the operators have defied the directive.
Instead, the bus operators have established an unsanctioned terminus near Croco Motors in the city centre, which they say is convenient for travellers.
“Times have moved, I don’t think that there are buses that will load at Mucheke rank. This bus terminus (Croco) have become popular with travellers, so for them to go to Mucheke I see it as impossible. Even the council has slowly admitted that the rank is now here [Croco Motors] as they are selling loading vouchers here,” a bus operator who preferred anonymity told Business Times this week.
Another bus operator, who also refused to be named, echoed the same sentiments.
“We plead with the council that it okays Croco Motors rank because Mucheke bus terminus will pain travellers much, they will have to fork out a lot because they will have to find transport to take them to Mucheke bus terminus after buying their groceries in town. The council officers are always here selling their loading vouchers,” the bus operator said.
During the full council meeting Mayor for Masvingo City Collen Maboke cited in his decree lack of ablution facilities in areas around the central business district which has become picking and dropping off points.
These places include Croco Motors, Benjamin Burombo and Pick n Pay.
Contacted for comment on Tuesday this week, Maboke referred all questions to the Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa who in turn said he would be in a position to make a comment on today.
