By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – Informal traders operating around Old Mucheke Bus Terminus in Mucheke A have welcomed the reopening of the old Mucheke Bus Terminus by the Masvingo City Council.
The bus terminus was last functional years back as people ended up utilizing the Croco motors area deserting the legal Mucheke bus terminus.
Resuscitation of the old Mucheke Bus Terminus is on the cards by the Masvingo City Council and plans are that when lockdown restrictions are lifted, the terminus will become functional like before. Intercity travel in the country will see the bus terminus fully functional.
The City Town Clerk, Edward Mukaratirwa confirmed the developments and said that their aim is for the bus terminus to be reopened after the national lockdown.
This will also result in a boost for informal traders business.
Councillor for Ward 1, Selina Maridza described the idea as a noble one, “It is high time life is bought back in the ward, the Old Mucheke Bus Terminus has to be functional as it used to before as it is one of the oldest mark in the ward. So we welcome the idea by the city council to reopen the terminus as this will boost the business for those operating in and around the area.”
In an interview with Gogo Tarisai Mavhudzi, she expressed how the operational of the terminus will bring hope to them.
“The terminus was abandoned for a long time ago, people who wanted to travel used to come and board buses for different destinations here and when Croco motors became the new terminus we lost business and it became an advantage of those who were now operating at the Masvingo Croco motors.
So opening up of the Old Mucheke bus terminus will bring back business for us especially during hard times we are facing during times like these, at least if the terminus opens up, we know that business will be back to normal,” she said.
Another one said that the reopening of the old bus terminus was long overdue as it is the only recognised bus terminus for boarding of buses.
“Business was lost due to the abandonment of the terminus and we hope that opening up of the terminus will bring back life to the traders around the bus terminus,” he said.
