TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The Basch Street complex, popularly known as Egodini, is set to open next month for informal traders and bus operators, a move that will help decongest the city centre.
The complex includes operating space for informal traders, public transport and offloading facilities as well as minibus taxis.
Speaking at an engagement meeting with informal traders and taxi operators in Bulawayo this week, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) town clerk, Christopher Dube said all was set for the opening of the mall.
“About 660 stalls are 100% complete. We expect informal traders to go in by mid-February,” Dube said.
He added: “Informal traders ‘concrete bases are now 100% complete.
“As we speak now, kombis should have gone back to Egodini but the developer promised that by the end of this month (January), it would be ready to accommodate kombis and some vendors.”
BCC director of planning, Wisdom Siziba weighed in saying: “For the taxi ranks, the developer has put sheds and metal railing.
The bulk earthworks are 100% done. Bulk services which are potable water, sewer, fire, storm systems, internal tracking systems, internal communication are also done and connections are there.
The installation of steel concrete reinforcing bases, starter bars and columns are 100% complete.”
BCC engaged Terracotta in 2016 to redesign Basch Street terminus and turn it into a multi-purpose mall under a build, operate and transfer arrangement.
Construction works started in March 2018.
However, efforts to officially open the facility last year were futile after informal traders rejected the trading stalls saying the facilities are not up to standard.
Dube said the vendors’ concerns were addressed.
“At one meeting that was there at Egodini, the vendors criticised the stands and suggested the roofing should be lowered and provide more shade.
“These fabrications delayed the completion but come February that would have been fixed,” Dube said.
