Dar es Salaam City Council has assured residents that the Ubungo Bus Terminal will not shift anytime soon as would-be new terminal at Mbezi Luis is still undergoing feasibility study.
Aerial view of upcountry bus terminal at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam
The feasibility study which started last year is penciled for completion end of this month, said the city council spokesperson, Mr Gaston Makwembe.
“The study report is expected to address issues related financial implications and environmental impacts that the new upcountry bus terminal will have on the residents staying near the new stand,” continued Mr Makwembe.
“Until the feasibility study is complete, that is when we can be at a position to say when the construction of the upcountry bus stand at Mbezi Luis can start,” said Mr Gaston.
He further added that the feasibility study is being done by the city council and Tanzania Investment Bank, whereby they will each contribute equally towards the study’s cost.
“There will be no other alternative place for the upcountry bus terminal, rather Ubungo Bus Terminal will continue to accommodate the upcountry buses; it is only until the construction of the new one in Mbezi Luis is complete,” added Mr Makwembe.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ Mr Mbaruk Masudi, the Chairperson of Mbezi Ward, said that government experts, environmental analysts, architects and engineers have been visiting the site for further evaluation and the last visit was last month.
Miss Eva Nziku, a Mbezi resident, said that the site is now being used as a football ground by youths and has two football pitches.
“Most of the time in the evening children and youths come and play football at these grounds,” said Miss Nziku.
Another resident, Robert Chedego, said that bringing the upcountry bus terminal to Mbezi will also bring some development too, as people will start their business.
“This area has experienced a lot of road accidents, people have been injured and died, hence road safety should also be considered,” he said. He added that apart from the development, security should also be intense as population will increase and so will be crimes.
By MARY RAMADHANI, Tanzania Daily News
