Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
Life in Plumtree has changed after the town council announced Operation Tjenesa last Wednesday, which saw the commuter omnibus rank relocated from ePhaneni in the central business district (CBD) to Dingumuzi Rank at the Dingumuzi Township shopping centre.
The move has elicited mixed reactions from residents, with some welcoming the development while others have criticised it.
Some residents said the decision was long overdue, arguing that it was improper to have a rank in the CBD. Some commuter omnibus operators said the relocation works to their advantage as their routes are closer to Dingumuzi.
“I cannot complain about this move. For us, we are at an advantage as our route to Brunapeg is closer,” said a kombi driver who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Business owners at Dingumuzi Shopping Centre said the relocation would boost business, which has been low for years. Some small business operators in town said they were even considering relocating to Dingumuzi Shopping Centre.
Vendors also expressed mixed feelings, with those trading at ePhaneni saying they felt betrayed, while those at Dingumuzi were jubilant.
Yesterday, commuter omnibuses were observed parked at their designated bays within the rank. The vehicles included those en route to Harare, Bulawayo, Brunapeg, Madlambudzi, Ndolwane and Linda.
Plumtree Town Council police officers were also observed at the rank conducting routine checks and monitoring vehicles.
