Harare’s Bus Terminals in Desperate Need of Overhaul

Harare’s bus terminals have become a nightmare for commuters, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and harassment by touts turning daily travel into an ordeal. Despite bus operators paying rank vouchers, conditions at major terminals such as Mbare Musika, Market Square, Copacabana, Charge Office and Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus remain chaotic, unregulated, and unsafe.

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has condemned the dire state of these transport hubs, calling on local authorities to take urgent action. “Commuters continue to suffer through deplorable conditions while authorities look the other way,” said PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati. “It is unacceptable that people are subjected to filth, disorganization, and even harassment when they simply want to travel.”

A visit to these bus ranks reveals a grim picture. Pavements and waiting areas are littered with waste, and drainage systems are clogged, creating pools of stagnant water that worsen hygiene conditions. Vendors have taken over pedestrian spaces, making it difficult for passengers to move freely. Meanwhile, “space barons” illegally control sections of the ranks, demanding fees from bus operators who have already paid city council charges.

By Ruvarashe Gora

Beyond the disorder, passenger safety is a growing concern. Touts, especially at Harare Showgrounds aggressively target travelers, often pulling them towards specific buses and threatening those who resist. Reports of passengers being physically assaulted have increased, with PAZ raising the issue with law enforcement. “We receive complaints daily from commuters who feel unsafe in these spaces. No one should have to endure intimidation just to catch a bus,” Goliati added.

The public transport crisis has worsened the situation. Since the decline of private commuter omnibuses and the government’s failure to provide an efficient alternative, passengers are left scrambling for transport. This has led to overcrowding and price exploitation, with some bus operators overloading vehicles or charging inflated fares during peak hours.

Local authorities have made no significant improvements to bus terminals in years. In 2021, Harare City Council promised to rehabilitate key transport hubs, but little progress has been made. The Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, meant to decongest the CBD, is already overwhelmed, and Mbare Musika, once a crucial national hub, has deteriorated into one of the most chaotic and unsafe spaces in the city.

“We don’t need promises; we need action,” Goliati said. “Authorities must clean up and modernize these terminals, introduce proper security measures, and ensure they serve the people, not just those profiting from the disorder.”

For the millions of Zimbabweans who rely on public transport daily, bus terminals should be safe, clean, and efficient, not symbols of neglect and mismanagement. Without urgent intervention, Harare’s transport hubs will continue to reflect the city’s deepening urban decay rather than its potential for progress.