Communities demand bus depot at Songwe

Taxi operators and community leaders around Songwe Border Post in Karonga District have asked authorities to construct a bus depot to create a conducive business environment.

Mwakaboko Area Development Committee chairperson Edward Chitete said in an interview on Monday that the border post is one of the busiest in the country.

He said: “The place is busy due to cross-border business which has attracted buses, minibuses and small cars.

“Therefore, the space is becoming smaller by each day. Besides, hygiene and sanitation is being compromised due to congestion.”

Taxi operator Simon Sikumbawa said the space used for taxis and as a bus terminal is a road to Ngana which is not suitable for parking vehicles.

“The space is small for taxis and buses and inconveniences road users and customers for shops,” he said.

Karonga district director of public works Allan Chitete acknowledged the current state of the bus terminal at the border post, but said the council does not have funds to upgrade the terminal into a bus depot.

He said: “As a council, we are aware of the status of the said terminal. But right now we are facing financial constraints.

“We urge community leaders to include that in their village action plans so that we will include the proposal in our new District Development Plan.”