Following
reports on the progress made with regards to the looming $56 million shopping complex project
at Egodini bus terminus, the National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) took time
to seek opinions of young people on the potential benefits of the project.
Some of the youths expressed doubt
that the project will be of direct benefit to them unless they strategically
position themselves with immediate effect.
“It is very difficult for me to
conclude that the project will benefit young people, because certainly
residents have no control on employment criteria, maybe those that have joined strategic
associations will be benefit by acquiring some stalls and shops in the shopping
complex,” said Michael Ndiweni.
He added that it would be of paramount
importance that different associations engage the company contracted to do the
construction to ensure that local young people access jobs at the construction
site.
“We have seen some companies
importing labour from other regions to do menial jobs in Bulawayo that do not
even require particular skills. So it’s important that action be taken now to
guard against that. I would propose that an employment bureau be set up for
residents to pool CV’s together and when the malls opens they just forward
files with CVs from young people who are locals for consideration to whoever
will be operating a shop in the shopping complex or international bus terminus,” added Ndiweni.
Other young people also emphasised
that there is need for them to collectively approach the Bulawayo City Council to
make an arrangement for local youths to be awarded employment opportunities
from the project.
“I
think there is need for young people to work with youth focused organisations
like NYDT to engage council and demand a stake and quota on the allocation of
space and jobs in the new complex,” said Alfred Ncube.
We
have capable, qualified and experienced young people in various fields throughout
the 29 wards in Bulawayo. All these people can provide labour for the project.
We even have people that have been operating as vendors at the terminus since
ages ago; they must be given first preference when it comes to allocation of
vending stalls. I think we need to seriously guard against corruption in the
project,” said Mpumelelo Ncube, a former youth councillor.
Nqobile Malikongwa said that for
young people to simply wait to be left out before they take action will not
benefit them in any way.
“We cannot wait until the damage has
been done and we cannot just sit and complain. We need to be proactive and make
sure that the potential for marginalisation is completely dealt with before the
project even begins, that is the only way we can guarantee our benefit from the
project,” he said.
The Bulawayo City Council recently
announced the identified temporary sites that would be used as commuter omnibus
termini and vending sites for those currently operating at Basch Street
Terminus popularly known as Egodini.
