BRRA completes bus stop project on Crowhill Road

THE Borrowdale Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) has finished the bus stop project along Crowhill Road adjacent to Helensvale Shopping Centre at a cost of over US$3 000.

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

Residents came up with the project as a way of ensuring safety for road users because public buses had nowhere to drop off and pick up passengers along the busy road.

Public transporters would abruptly stop on the road to pick up or drop passengers severely disrupting the flow of traffic along Crowhill Road.

The disruptions led to grave congestion on Crowhill Road with the jams stretching from the intersection with Liberation Legacy Way (formerly Borrowdale Road).

Some impatient drivers were now driving against oncoming traffic as a way of beating the jams caused by public transporters stopping in the middle of the road.

BRRA’s disaster and safety sub-committee identified the risk and worked tirelessly to see the project through.

Committee chairperson Patricia Townsend played a pivotal role in driving the bus stop project from the planning stage through to the impending handover.

The City of Harare exceeded expectations by rising to the occasion, working with the residents to approve the identified bus stop site, and providing the earth-moving equipment needed to clear the site. Residents provided the money for the project and hired a company to pave the bus stop.

BRRA chairperson Mr Robert Mutyasira said the bus stop is a significant milestone as it highlights what can be achieved when stakeholders work together.

“It not only improves the safety and traffic flow in the area but also demonstrates the power of collaboration between residents, local authorities, and the BRRA. We are grateful for the support we have received and look forward to the continued development of our community,” said Mr Mutyasira.

Ward 18 community leader Dr Angelina Nyatanga said the project is a remarkable achievement that will benefit the community.

“The improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for motorists and the traveling public in the area are tangible outcomes of this project. The eradication of hitchhiking (from undesignated points) and the mitigation of haphazard traffic activities have already made a significant impact, alleviating congestion and potential hazards on Crowhill Road. This project is a testament to the proactive efforts of the BRRA in addressing community development and safety concerns, and it highlights the positive impact of collaborative initiatives in local governance and infrastructure development. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in making this project a reality,” said Dr Nyatanga.

While the bus stop project has been completed, the BRRA is still appealing for more resources to put a shelter to protect commuters from the heat and rains.

The residents’ body has invited advertising companies to place their bids for prime advertisement space to market their products.

There is also a need for landscaping at the bus stop site and the BRRA appealed for donations from residents and other well-wishers to contribute whatever they can before the handover of the project to the City of Harare.