Blantyre City Council has engaged Webtribe, a Kenyan firm, to provide car park automation and management services in Blantyre and Limbe beginning November this year.
The deal, facilitated by Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC), is valued at K1.5 billion (about $2.02 million), which the investor will inject towards its realisation.
According to the contract, the project will see the Kenyan firm install related infrastructure at Blantyre Market car park, Mibawa Minibus Terminal, Old Blantyre Bus Stands and Chilobwe Minibus Terminal.
The Limbe zone will encompass Limbe Minibus Terminal, Limbe Market car park and Limbe Bus Depot.
Speaking on Tuesday in Blantyre during the signing ceremony, Blantyre City mayor Wild Ndipo said the project will transform the city into one of the best in the region.
He said: “Apart from improving efficiency through revenue collection, the project will also help us to curb corrupt tendencies as it will bring order in our operations.”
Ndipo said the contract will be in the form of design, build, operate and transfer arrangement for 10 years.
In his remarks on a conference call from his base in Nairobi, Webtribe chief executive officer Danson Muchemi pledged commitment to the project that will, among others, improve traffic flow in the commercial city.
He said: “The belief in our dream for a cashless and pre-paid future keeps us going and having such prestigious clients on board will only enhance our drive towards a pre-paid and cashless Africa.”
On her part, PPPC acting chief executive officer Audrey Mwala said the commission is facilitating other deals that will transform Blantyre into a regional hub for commerce.
She said: “As you are aware, government mandated us to facilitate sustainable development projects. “We should soon be concluding deals for an international bus terminal near Wenela Bus Depot that will also encompass world class hotels, complete with modern shopping malls. We are also working on developing some theme parks to add gloss to the city of Blantyre, something that will also help generate revenue.”
