Munyaradzi Doma
Harare City Council has set aside $1,5m for the reconstruction of several bus termini in the Central Business District and other areas as part of its urban renewal project.
During a recent full council meeting, Mayor Hebert Gomba enquired from officials how the project was progressing and it was revealed that first phases of recruitment of workers was complete.
Director of works Engineer Isiah Chawatama said the bus termini project would implemented immediately if Harare is moving towards a smart city.
Re-construction under the first phase of the project would target Seke and Dieppe Roads market stalls and bus termini, Fourth Street, Market Square, Angwa Street (Charge Office) and Speke (Copa Cabana) bus termini.
“The Director of Works also reported that bus termini in the CBD had been targeted for resurfacing and super-structural reconstruction for the protection of commuters against effects of bad weather.
“Partners who were interested in the bus termini super-structural reconstruction in the CBD and residential areas had been identified and procedures for their engagement were being pursued,” read recent minutes.
It was also reported that Eng Chawatama requested for council to engage skilled workers who would be tasked with implementing the project.
The full council meeting also heard that the United Development Programme was assisting in the refurbishment of the City of Harare Vocational Training Centre in Budiriro 2.
Acting finance director Stanley Ndemera reported to council that they were approaching different banks for funding of the project.
Supply chain manager Never Murerwa also reported that he had received several requisitions for the urban renewal projects.
He revealed that one employee had been tasked to deal with all the procurement processes but raised concern that some companies were demanding payments in US dollars.
Environment management committee members said they would check on the progress of the project in January.
The City of Harare has been criticized for its failure to finish up its projects as it has been argued that the revamping of termini was long overdue.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by councillors who said residents were eager to see completion of the project
