By Staff Reporter
A controversial deal between the Harare City Council (HCC) and its subsidiary, City Parking, to revamp the Mbare bus terminus has sparked outrage among local vendors and touts — with angry residents reportedly hunting down Ward 3 Councillor Simbarashe “Dhama” Chanachimwe, who approved the pact.
The two entities recently signed a 20-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) that gives City Parking control over the redevelopment of the busy terminus. The project is expected to modernize the facility, but it has also triggered fears of job losses among hundreds of informal traders who operate in and around the area.
Sources told a local private daily that the situation turned tense last week when some vendors and touts confronted Councillor Chanachimwe, accusing him of selling out the community. The councillor allegedly fled his home after residents threatened to harm him.
“The councillor has been playing cat and mouse with the residents since the deal was announced,” said one source.
However, Chanachimwe dismissed the allegations when contacted for comment.
“I don’t know about that,” he said. “I am staying at my house. Maybe we can meet for further clarifications.”
Chanachimwe, who has previously been arrested several times over alleged drug-related offences, now finds himself at the centre of growing tensions over the Mbare project.
Ward 16 Councillor Denford Ngadziore, who chairs the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) committee, confirmed the existence of the HCC–City Parking deal but insisted it was in the city’s best interest.
“Yes, there is such a deal, but it is going to benefit the Harare City Council, not individuals,” Ngadziore said.
“We will be collecting less money in the coming months because refurbishments will be done in phases. You can’t collect revenue from areas under construction — those zones will be isolated.”
He added that the project was expected to be completed within two years.
“Once renovations are done, we expect our revenue to more than double or even triple because all operators, including buses that used to evade payments, will now be contributing.”
The City of Harare confirmed the deal, saying it will “transform the face of Mbare” and significantly boost municipal income.
A NewsDay Live tour of the Mbare terminus, however, revealed growing anxiety among traders.
“We saw City Parking and Harare City officials touring the market, and we heard rumours that we are going to be removed,” said vendor Tambudzai Sondo. “We want our councillor, Dhama, to explain what is really happening.”
Another vendor, Timothy Mapfumo, echoed the similar concerns.
“Councillor Dhama has not been forthcoming. He must come and tell us the truth,” he said.
According to HCC, the refurbishment will include the construction of new shops around the terminus, installation of electronic entry and exit boom gates, solar systems, enhanced security, improved signage, landscaping, and beautification. The project will also upgrade public toilets, waiting sheds, sitting areas, and boundary walls.
Previously, the Mbare terminus was managed by the Markets Department, which remitted about US$116,000 monthly to the council. Under the new arrangement, City Parking will remit US$50,000 per month — a reduction that has further angered stakeholders who question the financial wisdom of the council.
-AMH
