Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GWANDA town’s main bus terminus is being transformed into a state-of-the-art travel centre under a public-private partnership, as part of efforts by the local authority to modernise infrastructure and spruce up the image of the Matabeleland South provincial capital.
The project has already seen the construction of offices and shops at the site, along with the installation of solar-powered lights. The terminus will have designated parking bays for public service vehicles operating along the Gwanda–Bulawayo route and other local destinations.
The Gwanda Municipality has embarked on a broader drive to restore order in the central business district by partnering investors to upgrade bus termini, taxi ranks and vendors’ markets. Recently, a state-of-the-art market accommodating about 350 vendors was commissioned.
In an interview, Gwanda mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said these developments are part of efforts to improve service delivery and promote economic growth.
The bus terminus is being developed in partnership with South Africa-based businessman Mr Cabangani Mangena, while the upgraded vendors’ market was completed in collaboration with Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency Member of Parliament, Cde Fisani Moyo.
“To maintain order in the CBD, there is a need to provide operators with proper working space. We realised that we can’t expect transport operators and vendors to maintain standards without adequate facilities, hence our engagement with development partners,” said Ald Moyo.
He added that the initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Call to Action on infrastructure modernisation.
“Once completed, there will be a co-ordinated operating system at the bus terminus. Only registered vehicles will be allowed to park at a fee, unlike in the past when operations were largely uncontrolled,” said Ald Moyo.
The mayor noted that modern infrastructure is critical for attracting investment.
“We are a mining town situated along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Highway, which means there is heavy traffic passing through daily. It’s important for Gwanda to be presentable as we are also a reference point for the country,” he said.
Ald Moyo said while the council does not always have resources to fund major upgrades, partnering investors has proven effective.
“Our goal is to ensure all facilities, including markets, bus termini and old buildings, meet required standards, with access to essential services such as water and ablution facilities,” he said.
Ald Moyo also stressed that improved facilities would help boost revenue collection and contribute to local economic development.
“We want to develop a culture of order in the town to improve its image and attract investors. We also urge operators and traders to respect and take ownership of these new facilities,” he said.
The mayor also appealed for more development partners to support Gwanda’s modernisation drive.
—@DubeMatutu
