The Roadport long-distance bus terminal in Harare, operated by Roadport (Pvt) Limited, is at risk of being shut down following the Harare City Council’s move to cancel its operating agreement with the company.
The decision to terminate the agreement comes as a result of the council’s dissatisfaction with the benefits it has received from the current arrangement. Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has expressed that the council has not seen any tangible benefits from the deal, prompting the decision to terminate the operating agreement.
“The Roadport agreement is one that we are going to cancel. We have benefited absolutely nothing from it,” Clr Mafume stated during his appearance before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. “When the Roadport was built, they neglected that it was property of the City of Harare.”
Also Read: Woman coming from SA found dead inside Roadport toilet
Roadport is located on part of the land originally leased from Harare City Council to the Raylton Sports Club, intended for sports and recreation facilities for railway workers.
Alongside the Roadport termination, the City Council plans to demolish unauthorized tuckshops that were constructed at Raylton Sports Club. Mayor Mafume noted that these developments were in violation of the lease agreement with the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
Mixed Reactions Over Roadport Closure
The news of Roadport’s potential closure has sparked diverse reactions on social media. Some residents support the City Council’s decision, while others have voiced concerns and opposition to the move
Here are some of the reactions;
@Elizabeth Nyamu;
vadi kuvapa warning then get paid what’s due to them
@You’ve Found Tawanda Alifeyo;
its was a flop from the word go vaidi kutaura ekutanga nw yakunzi yakavakwa pasiripo hw many years nzvimbo iyo ichishanda no employment nw vamwe vakutopererwa nemabasa more hazviko
@Eddy Makari;
I dont usually agree with Mafume but i think he is spot-on on this one, land barons have created a mess in our towns and cities with our local councils benefiting nothing out of those skewed deals, we cant have selfish individuals continue to suffocate our resources at the expense of the citizens, this madness must stop
This is not the first instance of Roadport facing closure. In 2021, the Harare City Council resolved to shut down the bus terminus amid disputes with the current operators. The situation remains unresolved, and the latest developments signal a renewed effort by the council to address the ongoing issues with Roadport
