Story by Buhlebenkosi Makwelo
BULAWAYO– CONCERNS are mounting over the deteriorating state of Bulawayo’s major bus termini, ERenkini and Entumbane ranks, as operators, vendors, and commuters decry poor infrastructure and unhygienic conditions.
Despite the collection of operating fees, the Bulawayo City Council has failed to prioritise refurbishment of the facilities, leaving motorists and traders frustrated.
Motorists and vendors are calling for immediate intervention, stressing that the deplorable conditions are impacting their daily operations and public health.
“The shades are in a bad state. Our customers and goods are exposed to the sun and rain. We’re pleading with council to carry out urgent repairs,” a vendor said.
“There are no bins here. Customers give me litter, and I do not know where to put it,” another vendor lamented.
“Toilets are often closed due to water shortages. People relieve themselves anywhere, and that creates a serious health hazard for us,” added a commuter operator.
The local authority has admitted its failure to allocate resources for the maintenance of the ranks.
“It is a similar issue to water where payments are made, they are dissipated and not re-invested. You are tackling a deep rooted issue within the council that is a completely new issue we have not discussed about, that is the financial accountability. I am currently working on a different template in terms of financial reporting by the city council to management. I remain deeply dissatisfied with some of the spending that we engage in. I do not believe it meets the needs budget and that needs to be tackled because we get money and that money is spent on things that are not pivotal to the city’s management,” Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltat said.
For now, users of Bulawayo’s key transport hubs will have to endure the grim reality as the city leadership deliberates on a more accountable financial system and infrastructure development strategy.
