adminholding bays along Coventry Road as part of measures to ease central business district congestion.
Urban planning services director Mr Psychology Chiwanga confirmed that work was still in progress on the bay site.
At least US$500 000 is required to build the proper structures but so far only US$40 000 has been released. The money is required to build toilets, install boom gates, ticketing offices, tar the place and provide shelter and a perimeter wall.
A ticket issued at the holding bay would allow the kombi to access the Market Square and Speke bus ranks. The city is negotiating to purchase land to create two more holding bays for kombis using the Charge Office and Fourth Street Bus ranks. Radio communication would be used to call in kombis into the bus ranks in batches.
“The city has now released the funds. We have agreed with operators to use the bays as they are. We are now working with progress on site,” he said.
The city expects teething problems when the kombis start using the bays.
“We appeal to the public to bear with us,” he said.
He said once the holding bays start working the city would introduce a shuttle service between Market Square and Fourth Street Bus Terminus.
Online Reporter