Blantyre City Council (BCC) chief executive officer Denis Chinseu says the refurbished Mibawa Bus Terminal is expected to be fully operational within the next two months.
Speaking in an interview after touring the site on Wednesday, he said most of the works have been completed and only lighting and security areas are remaining.
Mibawa Bus Terminal. | Andrew Mtupanyama
“Security is of paramount importance, so we will also have a police unit within the terminal,” said Chinseu.
He said the terminal, which has been fitted with new bus shelters, will also have a fence and ablution facilities.
Chinseu, however, hinted that parking fees may be increased.
“The rates are likely to go up, but it will still be affordable because we don’t want minibus operators to pass on the cost to commuters,” he said.
Minibus driver Kingsley Swiswiri said he was happy that the place has been improved.
“Should they decide to increase the parking fees to match the improved services, I will accept it,” he said.
However, another driver, James Ngongondole, said much as the improvements will help them cut costs on wear and tear, he will not support a parking fee hike.
“The council should not raise the parking fees because we already pay K500 every time we use this place. Considering that we park here at least five times a day, raising the parking fees will be bad for our business,” he said
