The Roadport long-distance bus terminal, a key transportation hub in Harare operated by Roadport (Pvt) Limited, faces imminent closure as the Harare City Council initiates the cancellation of its operating agreement with the company.
This decision stems from the council’s dissatisfaction regarding the perceived lack of benefits derived from the current arrangement, prompting an evaluation of the facility’s future.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has been vocal about the council’s grievances, asserting during a session with Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that the city has seen no significant advantages from the existing contract.
“The Roadport agreement is one that we are going to cancel.
We have benefited absolutely nothing from it,” Mafume stated, underscoring the disconnect between the original intentions behind the partnership and the current realities.
Originally, Roadport occupies land that was leased from the Harare City Council to the Raylton Sports Club, with the primary purpose of providing sports and recreational facilities for railway workers.
This change in usage has raised concerns over the legality and appropriateness of its current operation, as council officials believe that the intended benefits for the community have been overlooked.
In conjunction with the Roadport termination, the City Council has also announced plans to demolish unauthorized tuckshops that have been constructed at the Raylton Sports Club site.
Mayor Mafume noted these structures as illegal under the lease agreement with the National Railways of Zimbabwe, emphasizing a commitment to upholding the terms of the property usage.
The closure of the bus terminus may create significant disruptions for travelers relying on Roadport for long-distance transport. With Harare’s public transportation system already under strain, this decision could have far-reaching implications for both commuters and the local economy, particularly as the city grapples with how best to repurpose the land to serve the community’s needs.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
