By Shamiso Nyoni
Bulawayo councillors have raised alarm over the continued delays and vague reporting on the multi-million-dollar Egodini Mall project, nearly a decade after it was first approved.
The project, awarded to South African developer Terracotta Trading (Pvt) Ltd in 2015, was envisioned as a US$60 million upgrade to transform the old Egodini taxi rank into a modern public transport hub and shopping complex. Yet, nine years later, only Phase 1A, the taxi rank, has been completed and operational since January 2024.
The South Africa-based contractor Terracotta Trading (Pvt) Ltd is proposing to slash its investment from US$60 million to just US$10,5 million, according to an Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee report.
Construction ground to a halt again in February 2024. According to a report by the city’s Acting Director of Works, overall progress stands at just 11%, with no work done on the bus terminus, fuel station, additional taxi bays, or anchor retail outlets under Phase 1B.
During a recent full council meeting, Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo criticised the lack of clear communication regarding the developer’s intentions and funding.
“I read the chairman’s report, and it’s incomplete,” said Moyo. “It mentions the investor reduced funding due to economic challenges but doesn’t explain what will be done with the remaining money. We can’t make decisions based on half information.”
Moyo also raised concerns that the developer may be discouraged by weak enforcement of traffic regulations around Egodini and shifting retail trends, including the rise of informal “La Table”-style shops.
Proportional Representation Councillor Perseverance Nyathi supported the call for greater transparency.
“We need to know what the investor plans to achieve in the three-month extension we granted. The report lacks clarity,” she said.
Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu added, “We cannot be expected to make policy without a full understanding of the project’s challenges and roadmap.”
Councillors unanimously called for a comprehensive report before any further decisions are made regarding the future of the stalled development.
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