By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, November 5, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) is currently constructing a minibus terminal at Mibawa as part of a broader urban development plan to provide convenient public transportation.

Director of Engineering Services at BCC, Chimwemwe Mndelemani told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that the council is utilizing the Infrastructure Development Fund to rehabilitate the Mibawa minibus depot, aiming at improving its ambience and reduce inconveniences for minibuses during the rainy season or any other season.

"The major hindrance before was that many minibuses were avoiding the depot due to its poor condition. Now, we are making it more conducive for minibuses to operate from," Mndelemani said.

He added that there are multiple reasons why the council decided to undertake this construction, primarily to benefit Blantyre City residents.

"The purpose of constructing the depot is to assist residents in easily accessing transportation. Additionally, there were issues with traffic management, as minibuses were parking randomly around the city. We believe this will bring order and sanity to the city," he said.

Mndelemani added that the council is liaising with its development partners to install better shelters and solar street lights to enhance security and vibrancy at the terminal after the construction is completed.

He disclosed that BCC is conducting extensive stakeholder engagement with users, the public and the Malawi Police Service to foster a sense of ownership among residents in a bid to encourage them to take care of the facility for its longevity.

"This sense of ownership will help uplift city facilities and in turn, support business growth and attract both foreign and direct investors," he said.

He also disclosed that the entire project will cost BCC K108 million, funding from the Malawi Government through the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF).

Mndelemani, therefore, assured the public that the construction works which commenced in August 2024 will be completed and officially opened by the end of November this year.

In a separate interview, the Chairperson of Mibawa Bus Depot, Ackim Yuda commended the council for the long-awaited construction of the minibus terminal.

"We are happy that the council is constructing the depot here at Mibawa. This will help us manage the movements of minibuses that often plies business within and outside the city," Yuda said.

He added that the depot would accommodate many minibuses and vehicles currently parked along city streets.

Yuda assured his committee is ready to work with the council to ensure the depot’s goals are achieved. However, he appealed to the council to consider erecting additional toilet blocks at Mibawa to address issues of sanitation and hygiene.