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Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
THE business community has welcomed the commissioning of the US$1,6 million Kudzanayi Long Distance Bus Terminus in Gweru saying the new look facility will help create business opportunities in the Midlands province.
President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the upgraded structure on Monday.
With modern components including automated gates, automated payment system for vendors and standard vending stalls and ablution facilities, the terminus has become the envy of many.
The upgrade was done through a Public Private Partnership initiative between Gweru City Council (GCC) and Bentach Resources.
The project dovetails with the country’s commitment to continue improving the standard infrastructure to support growth of small to medium entrepreneurs in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1:2021:2022).
The project completion has impressed the business community.
Business Economic Empowerment Forum president, Dr Solomon Matsa, commended the Second Republic for providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“The Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa should be commended for putting in place a conducive environment for PPPs to excel,” he said.
“The fact that local players are allowed to play a role in the development of the country is very commendable.”
Dr Matsa said infrastructure upgrade projects like Kudzanayi long distance bus terminus attract more investments.
“The new look Kudzanayi bus terminus has impressed us as the business community.
The development of small to medium enterprises at such a facility will lead to the development of the Gweru economy and go national,” he said.
“As businesses we stand to benefit through supplying of goods and services.
So, this is a welcome initiative for SMEs and the business at large.”
Dr Matsa said the Government has been facilitating ease of doing business to locals who are also doing well by embracing such opportunities.
“The good thing is that the whole structure was done by local people. We want to see more of such structures across the country as they can take a cue from the city of progress,” he said.
“This is a very commendable development and we expect business to boom.”
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president, Dr Tinashe Manzungu, said the private sector should follow suit and work with the Government to develop the country.
“We are very happy with the way this place has been upgraded. It gives room for the vendor to grow business wise,” he said.
“They are being given an opportunity to partake in the development of the country because they are now contributing through payment of taxes.”
Mr David Kudakwashe of Bentach Resources said they were happy to be associated with such a milestone.
“We want sustainability of the market and for us to achieve this we will make sure that there is accountability in running the market.
We are also charging fair rentals for vendors and for buses so that they maximise their operations,” he said.
“This should be a win- win project for us and the people or companies who use the terminus.”
Mr Innocent Maphosa, a local businessperson said: “This is a very welcome development. We are very happy that we are already living the Vision 2030.
“The structure is iconic and we anticipate brisk business here in the province.
By coming up with such a structure the Government has managed to deal with the menace of touts,” he said.
“Transport operators can now ferry passengers at a very safe place where they can also buy everything they want at the market.”
The refurbishment of the market stalls at Kudzanayi Long Distance Bus Terminus has seen the rank accommodating 800 vendors and over 100 buses a day.
Online Reporter