Vending marts for new ranks

Mr Chedeme

Tanaka Vungnai Herald Reporter
Construction of new bus termini would include the creation of vending spaces within the structures, Harare City Council has said. Harare corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme said vendors would be provided with vending marts as part of the ancillary services at all new bus termini . He said the construction of the new bus termini and upgrading of old ones is at an advanced stage.

“All the new bus termini that we are constructing will have ancillary services such as shops and vendor marts. Vending and transportation go hand in hand. Where there are people boarding buses, there is also a market for the vendors. These vending marts will only be at the designated sites,” he said. Mr Chideme said council is also constructing additional ablution facilities at other bus termini around Harare for the convenience of the public.

“We are also constructing additional ablution facilities at all these bus ranks so that we provide convenience to all the commuting public, vendors and their customers. Work is already at an advanced stage.” Places where new bus termini are being constructed include the Coca-Cola Corner and opposite Rhodesville Police Station.

Mbare Musika Bus Terminus is also being renovated to match modern standards. The renovations include resurfacing, putting new sheds and fencing of the termini to make sure that council is able to collect its revenue and to get rid of touts. The move by council to remove vendors from undesignated sites as well as establish new bus termini comes after President Mugabe last month bemoaned the vendor menace and lack of order in the central business district, saying Harare should be the smartest city in the country as it is the capital.