Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
BULAWAYO’S Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus is set for a major rehabilitation with global financial institution, Mukuru International, approaching the city council with an ambitious plan for the refurbishment and management of the facility.
In 2022 the local authority resolved to engage possible investors for the rehabilitation of Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus, with the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube saying that was forward planning on the part of the local authority.
The decision had been reached following the council’s committee on Town Lands and Planning together with senior council management going on a “look and learn” visit to the Gweru Municipality where among other projects they had an appreciation of how the Midlands capital worked on the rehabilitation of Kudzanayi Bus Terminus.
It was subsequently resolved to recommend that an expression of interest be solicited from investors leading to the tendering of Renkini Terminus Redevelopment on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.
Another option was for the local authority to enter into partnerships with developers to develop Renkini.
According to a council confidential report, the local authority was recently approached by global money transfer company, Mukuru International, represented by Jahar Arabia, where they forwarded several possible projects they were interested in around Bulawayo including the Renkini rehabilitation project.
“The meeting focused on Mukuru’s proposal for a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding aimed at revitalising the City of Bulawayo’s infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The discussion centred around potential projects, including the Renkini Bus Terminus revamp, office setup and investment in street vendor facilities.
“During the meeting, Mukuru International presented its vision for several key initiatives that aligned with the City of Bulawayo’s strategic objectives. The representatives outlined their commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and fostering economic development in the City,” reads the report.
With the Renkini project, the company noted their interest in refurbishing and managing the terminus with potential revenue-sharing opportunities for the local authority.
“Key points discussed also included the provision of protective shelter for street vendors to enhance their working conditions, revitalisation of bus stops around City Hall to promote the architectural beauty of the building and improve public transport facilities.
“The discussion also focused on setting up of a Mukuru International office at the transport hub which would also enhance security measures in the area,” reads the report.
In supporting the expression of interest, the local authority noted that the proposed projects align with the city’s masterplan and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which they noted showcased Mukuru’s commitment to regional development.
“The initiative promised to stimulate job creation and enhance economic activities within the city, by improving transportation infrastructure and public spaces, the projects aimed to enhance the quality of life of Bulawayo residents.
“Mukuru International expressed willingness to share budget plans with the city council, facilitating joint planning and execution of the proposed projects,” reads the council report.
In debating the issue, councillors in the local authority’s business and investment committee expressed concern that the report exclusively focused on one developer, while they had previously received proposals on the rehabilitation of the bus terminus.
“In response, the Town Clerk (Mr Christopher Dube) advised that the council has more confidence in financial institutions such as Mukuru which has a proven record of undertaking development initiatives of this nature.
“He informed the Committee that previously there had been an Association of Buses that had expressed interest in developing the Old Renkini Bus Terminal. However, council had requested that a consultancy be engaged and this delayed the whole process. Mukuru had engaged council and expressed that they had the financial capacity to develop the area,” reads the report.
