SOUTH African property developer, Terracotta Trading has missed the February 7, 2023, deadline to finish the first phase of the Egodini Mall project and open the facility to informal traders and commuter omnibus operators.
Over 500 vending bays are being constructed at Egodini Mall.
The project has been under construction for almost eight years.
Latest council minutes indicate that the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) through the town planning department last month resolved that commuter omnibuses and informal traders should move into Egodini by February 7, 2023.
“Following this resolution, a letter was sent to the developer, Terracotta informing the company of the resolution highlighting the need for the company to complete all critical works at Egodini so that commuter omnibuses and informal traders are able to move in and work safely at Egodini,” the minutes read.
“The current state of Egodini and required works is as follows: there are currently open trenches for the installation of fire hydrants and electricals, these are running across the site making the site unusable, however the developer has indicated that installation of electricals and hydrants will be completed by week ending 19 February.”
The minutes reveal that the bus rank has not been paved, while other various works including construction of toilets are also incomplete.
“The ablution facilities block is at window level and there will be need for it to be completed before occupation of the facility. Lighting will also need to be provided prior to occupation,” the minutes read.
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“A site visit indicated that lighting and ablution facilities had not been completed. Fire hydrants as well as tarred roads are also outstanding. Engagements are also being done with commuter omnibus associations and the vendors association.”
The minutes added: “It is important to take note that the site cannot be open to the public without ablutions, fire hydrants, lighting and efforts are continuing to impress on construction to complete these.”
BCC contracted Terracotta in 2016 to redesign Basch Street terminus and turn it into a multi-purpose mall under a build, operate and transfer arrangement.
The company projected a total investment of US$60 million for the project.
Council could not be reached for comment yesterday.
