COH mulls booting out Roadport from terminus

Philemon Jambaya

Assistant Editor

The future of Harare’s Roadport long-distance bus terminal hangs in the balance after the City Council announced plans to cancel its operating agreement with Roadport (Pvt) Ltd.

The decision follows growing dissatisfaction with the council's share of the benefits from the arrangement. Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, asserted that the council has reaped no tangible rewards from the deal, prompting the move to terminate the agreement.

“We have benefited absolutely nothing from it,” Clr Mafume stated, highlighting the council’s ownership of the land on which the terminal is built. The land was originally leased to the Raylton Sports Club for recreational purposes but was later converted to accommodate the bus terminal.

In addition to the Roadport dispute, the council intends to demolish unauthorized tuckshops constructed within the Raylton Sports Club premises, which violate the lease agreement with the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The potential closure of Roadport has ignited a public debate, with opinions divided on the council’s decision. While some residents support the council’s stance, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on commuters and the overall transportation system.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for travelers, bus operators, and the city's transportation infrastructure remain uncertain.