By BRIAN HATYOKA? –
A CONSORTIUM of architects and contractors currently constructing an ultramodern international bus terminus in Livingstone is looking for K3 million to establish a mini-bus station adjacent to the main station.
Ndilila Associates and Architects Project Managers director, Francis Ndilila, said his team wanted to establish a mini-bus station within Villa Grounds to add value to the main bus terminus.
Dr Ndilila said the proposed mini-bus station was part of Category B of works which were not funded within Category A of constructing an international bus station at a cost of K41.5 million.
Speaking in an interview in Livingstone yesterday, Dr Ndilila said the mini-bus station would have several mini-buses to service seven routes leading to various townships in the tourist capital.
“In Category B, which we also submitted to Livingstone City Council, we have planned to put a mini-bus station for local routes in Livingstone and there will be no need for people to be shouting because each direction will have a label.
This station will also have restaurants which will be serving traditional foods,” Dr Ndilila said.?Plans were also underway to construct a hotel within Category B so that people who arrive in the night were accommodated within the same premises.
Dr Ndilila said about K29 million was required to complete all the remaining works for the main station.
The cost of constructing roads, a mini-bus station, a sub-power station, a generator, escalators, elevators, a borehole, water tank and fencing the premises among others were not included in the initial K41.5 million budget.
Dr Ndilila said the ultramodern bus terminus would be the biggest in Zambia and comparable to best bus stations across the world.
“If we have K29 million, the bus station and roads as well as other works will be completed in six months.
The K41.5 million budget has already been consumed but the bus station cannot operate without connecting roads, a mini-bus station for local routes, power sub- station, water tank and a generator among others,” he said.
